Interior Redesign of a SeaRay Sundancer 29 (1992)

[Indiana]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to reduce the size of the saloon seating (eg cut back some of the fibreglass/draw opposite the sink) to allow more walk through space.
Also can I cut out the small fibreglass draw which is situated on the floor to the left of the drainer (Between the galley and the v-berth), as I would like to replace it with a teak floor to ceiling full-length wardrobe.

I understand that bulkheads are there for a reason and I naturally do not wish to weaken the boat.

And finally the previous owner used tongue & grooved (B&Q!) for headliner to insulate the boat better, however apart from it being a real shitty job, it reduces headroom.
I will be removing it and need an alternative material, maybe headliner carpet or vinyl.

Can anyone offer advice on any of the above?

Many thanks, Indy

 

[Little Ducky]

Do you like your boat this much you wouldn't just look for one with another floor plan?

I would hate to see someone start modifying and then end up with a heap in the end.

 

[Indiana]

Do you like your boat this much you wouldn't just look for one with another floor plan?

I would hate to see someone start modifying and then end up with a heap in the end.

Sorry, so you don't have any constructive advice then?

 

[Boater420]

Welcome to CSR Dr. Frankenstein!

I think you'll find that most of the people here are merely boat owners and not structural engineers currently working at SeaRay. Chopping up the insides of boats isn't something too many of us are familiar with doing. Just thinking about the time, money, and mess involved makes my head swim.

As for the headliner, once you've removed all the flooring you'll be left with quite an uneven surface. Unless you sand it all down smooth, most headliner materials I'm aware of won't be thick enough to cover the imperfections. You'll have to use something thicker like carpet to cover the rough spots without showing through.

There are plenty of headliner replacement videos on YouTube to get you started.

 

[Little Ducky]

Sorry, so you don't have any constructive advice then?

Yes,

Unless your boat is a complete fix'er upper or you have a strong sentimental attachment there are more cost effective ways to get what you are after. I've seen a number of "projects" that have started off well that end up to be a total disaster that cost the owner everything they ever put into their vessel.

I'm a fellow 290 owner and I know some years came in different floor plans that might better fit your needs. It might be more cost effective to explore buying another then modifying the one you have if it's in good shape. 290's are still very desirable and seem to sell well.

 

[hillsideshortleg]

As I sit around at night thinking about how to improve our boat, the idea of hacking it in two right behind the drivers seat and adding a 3 foot section keeps recurring in my mind. Hmm I really like the idea.

 

[bobeast]

Until you remove the overhead "upgrade", you really won't know what you are getting into. That said, carpet can be very forgiving, so that seems like a reasonable approach.