Hi everyone, looking for advice on building a deck on a small beachcat

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by AquaticFrank, Jun 23, 2022.

  1. AquaticFrank
    Joined: Apr 2022
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    Location: NY

    AquaticFrank New Member

    Hi guys, I am new to the forum (although I was lurking here for a couple of years already).
    I have some old Nacra 5.2 and a Tornado hulls that I would like to build a lighweight hard deck on. 8' x 8' and 10' x 10' roughly. Any suggestions or recommendations?
     
  2. jehardiman
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: Port Orchard, Washington, USA

    jehardiman Senior Member

    Welcome to the Forums.
    Still have the crossbeams?
     
  3. upchurchmr
    Joined: Feb 2011
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    upchurchmr Senior Member

    Why?
    Sailboat with a hard deck, or powerboat, or ?????
    Whats the purpose - scuba diving, party boat, fishing, or what?

    If you want a powerboat, I can find one already done by a current boat designer.
     
  4. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    kapnD Senior Member

    Beach cats are not known for their load carrying capabilities. Adding solid decks and outboard motors is an attractive conversion, but doesn’t end well unless they are kept ultra light.
     
  5. AquaticFrank
    Joined: Apr 2022
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    Location: NY

    AquaticFrank New Member

    Thanks! didn't think about it from this point of view.
     
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  6. Milehog
    Joined: Aug 2006
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    Milehog Clever Quip

    They are indeed very weight sensitive. Also, some concern about catching a gust of wind under the solid deck.
     
  7. upchurchmr
    Joined: Feb 2011
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    upchurchmr Senior Member

    Waste of time.
     

  8. jehardiman
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: Port Orchard, Washington, USA

    jehardiman Senior Member

    That's why we ask what seem like rather inane questions, because the answer always is "it depends....". Putting a hard deck on existing cross beams would not be helpful; just too heavy. Rebuilding the crossbeams and tramp into a deck would require a very sharp pencil. FWIW, turning sailboat into a power boat is usually not a good thing. Also adding significant weight to an existing hull form is also not a good thing. Modifications to an existing hull are fraught with issues. Horses for courses.
     
    DogCavalry likes this.
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