Flatacraft dashboard removal?

[Yanros]

Hi Everyone,
I've sort of inherited a 4m Flatacraft.

Tried to attach a pic but not sure yet if I've done it right!
The back to back seats have been removed and replaced with 2 bench type. It was run with a 15hp 2 stroke tiller control motor.

I want to use it for fishing with 2 people but room is a little tight due to the covered in bow section.

What I'd like to know is if I cut out the dashboard to increase the inside space, and opened it up to the bow, will the boat be weakened. I'd keep the tiller motor.
I really like the boat. It's got character but I really need more interior space.

Any ideas would be really appreciated.
Thank you for any thoughts.

[Nasher]

As the F4 has a gap in the tubes up front, and isn't jioned to the flat bow section in any substantial way, you'll be removing a brace between the tubes that holds them apart in just the place it's needed as you land in the water or cut through a wave, so the tubes will bounce inwards.

It's also my personal opinion that you'l ruin a good boat.

Nasher.

[Yanros]

Thanks Nasher.
I thought that might be the case.

Could you also tell me, if I use the tiller engine and I'm on my own, will the boat balance ok with the weight of me (13 stone) and the engine all at the stern?

[Nasher]

It depends what you're going to do with it really.

The only advise I can offer is that my F4 was a little tail heavy, although I was right on the limit with the engine I had on it (55HP). Tony Lee-Elliott, the designer, added about 18 inches to the front in the form of a conventional bow to up the HP on the F4GT.

If you are using the 15HP mentioned you'll no doubt be OK, especially if you use the standard space in the bow for the fuel tank and other heavy gear.

Nasher.