SevenCubed - 5:42 pm on Sep 4, 2012 (gmt 0)

Sounds like fun Tony. Of course I have no way of knowing what your boat restoration skills are like, or your level of expertise in boating in general but here is something that popped into my mind right away when I read above:

...however I do plan to install a deck?

The first thing I would take into consideration here is the type of water it will be used on. If you intend on crusin' calm inland waters you can probably get away with more flexibility in installing a deck. What is important, in that case, is the depth of the hull rather than the length. And even at 16 feet different manufacturers have produced models of varying hull depth. If you lay down a platform to even off the walking surface (install a deck) you are going to change the centre of gravity. The new centre of gravity will shift higher potentially causing the boat to become more unstable. Also, there is more surface area to enclose aft rather than forward (V tapered forward) and that too will shift the C-of-G rearward but in most cases the trim tab on the motor foot can compensate for that. The type of material chosen to accomplish it will also be a factor. Wood, though less expensive, will be among the more heavier material -- especially when it becomes water-logged (and it will). The increased weight will thus thrust the C-of-G even a bit higher. These factors become especially apparent while in turns, and especially in abrupt sharp turns like when trying to avoid sea critters that wander into your path unexpectedly due to their curosity, or in the case of sharks because of their hunger pangs.

Another consideration is seating. Most, if not all of those older model aluminum boats have factory installed bench seating to keep the C-of-G low. If you become tempted to install lazy-boy type seating on your new deck it too will affect the C-of-G in ways you wouldn't want it to.

That's what pops to mind for now but I might think of other things if this thread stirs up debate. More than anything though -- have fun with it! Ahhhhh discussing this is making me homesick for the ocean :(