MagicMtnDan
08-17-2003, 05:20 PM
I personally think that a closed bow boat looks better than an open bow. That said, I still don't understand what folks do with a closed bow. Sure you can sleep in it but it's not something I'd want to do unless it's a big boat with air conditioning.
Still, I've always wanted the closed bow look with the versatility of an open bow boat. And I wondered if it would be possible - couldn't someone design and build an open bow boat that had a ribbed (for strength so it could be walked on) 2-piece removable fiberglass cover for the open bow area?
And of course it would be very cool if it somehow could slide electrically (of course) out of sight in the open position when the open bow is desired. That might be asking for a lot (all kinds of engineering challenges) but it was a fantasy.
Or is it? I just read a 2002 Boat Test in Powerboat Magazine and it talks about a Sunsation 288 boat that features a rigid cover for its bow section and removable lounge cushions on the deck over the midcabin. And guess what? The 28'8"-long, 8' wide boat looks "really good" up close, too.Here's a link to the test report:
Click here to read the review on the Sunsation 288 Open Bow (http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/2002tests/april2.php)
http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/graphics/2002tests/04/sunsationa.jpg
Unfortunately the article doesn't seem to explain "the rigid cover over its bow section" - is anyone familiar with this boat and if so, can you please explain if this cover is close to my dream of the ultimate "convertible boat?" Having an open bow boat that could be closed bow in when desired (when there's a few people on the boat or when heading out in the ocean or when the weather is less than ideal, etc.) seems to me to be a great idea in need of a practical solution.
Thanks
[ August 17, 2003, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: MagicMtnDan ]
Still, I've always wanted the closed bow look with the versatility of an open bow boat. And I wondered if it would be possible - couldn't someone design and build an open bow boat that had a ribbed (for strength so it could be walked on) 2-piece removable fiberglass cover for the open bow area?
And of course it would be very cool if it somehow could slide electrically (of course) out of sight in the open position when the open bow is desired. That might be asking for a lot (all kinds of engineering challenges) but it was a fantasy.
Or is it? I just read a 2002 Boat Test in Powerboat Magazine and it talks about a Sunsation 288 boat that features a rigid cover for its bow section and removable lounge cushions on the deck over the midcabin. And guess what? The 28'8"-long, 8' wide boat looks "really good" up close, too.Here's a link to the test report:
Click here to read the review on the Sunsation 288 Open Bow (http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/2002tests/april2.php)
http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/graphics/2002tests/04/sunsationa.jpg
Unfortunately the article doesn't seem to explain "the rigid cover over its bow section" - is anyone familiar with this boat and if so, can you please explain if this cover is close to my dream of the ultimate "convertible boat?" Having an open bow boat that could be closed bow in when desired (when there's a few people on the boat or when heading out in the ocean or when the weather is less than ideal, etc.) seems to me to be a great idea in need of a practical solution.
Thanks
[ August 17, 2003, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: MagicMtnDan ]