[skintner]

Hi again,
My 1987 Capri 14' has seat cushions in the open bow area. I would like to know if the space underneath/inside where those curved cushions sit can be opened up and used for storage. I was thinking they might have foam floatation material in there (of course I could cut it open and look, but that would be jumping way ahead of myself). If those two curved/rectangular spaces are not used for floatation, I could cut holes in the top, fortify with marine grade plywood and put doors in. That would really make stowing gear a lot easier.

Anyone done that or know what's underneath?

Thanks in advance,
steve

[gcboat]

I'll bet after you do all that work there won't be enough space to store a six pack on either side. The way I look at it if there was room, they probably would have access ports already there.
What you could do is take a small drill bit - maybe 3/16 - 1/4" or thereabouts and drill a test hole. Just through the glass far enough to see if it is foam filled - I kinda' doubt it. Patch it back up with Marine Tex if that's as far as you decide to go.
If you decide to continue please post some pics of the progress - be interesting to see the end results.
Thought I'd verify that you should drill from the seat top inside the boat - not through the exterior hull. You just never know - .

[skintner]

Originally Posted by gcboat

I'll bet after you do all that work there won't be enough space to store a six pack on either side. The way I look at it if there was room, they probably would have access ports already there.
What you could do is take a small drill bit - maybe 3/16 - 1/4" or thereabouts and drill a test hole. Just through the glass far enough to see if it is foam filled - I kinda' doubt it. Patch it back up with Marine Tex if that's as far as you decide to go.
If you decide to continue please post some pics of the progress - be interesting to see the end results.
Thought I'd verify that you should drill from the seat top inside the boat - not through the exterior hull. You just never know - .

Thanks for your thoughts, gc... If there is enough space for a child lifevest and tow ropes I'll be happy. I'm going to save the project for this winter when I do the rest of the hull carpeting and the vinyl upholstery on the inside of the gunnels.

[chuckz]

The space under those cushion is flotation. However, there is space for storage under the deck in front of the center seat. My floor was soft there, I cut the bad wood out added support to the port and starboard side of the hole and put in a hinged top. I glassed everything and it works great. I store an anchor and a couple of fenders in there with no problem.