cutting out under seats

[jimmyebay]

ok. got a 1990 maxum 18 ft boat. 3.0l motor. under the front seats its solid and no storage. the very front one does for the anchor. was wondering if anyone would advise on cutting out squares under the two front seats for more storage area. anyone done this??? what would i expect under the boards??? i was thinking cutting a square out and then around the egdes, putting 2x4's around the top edge for strength. let me know what you all think about doing this and what to expect under there.thanks

 

[Mark42]

Re: cutting out under seats

The seat bases are most likely full of flotation foam. If you remove it to make room for storage, it would be wise to put an equal amount of foam somewhere else. If you just remove the foam, and the boat is swamped, it will not sit level at the top of the water, it might sink. Depending on the conditions, it could be a life threatening situation.

I do not believe there are any regulations or laws prohibiting the removal of flotation foam. Its up to you.

BTW, there are anchor mounting brackets that you could attach to the side of the seat base and attach the anchor, or attach to a bow rail and mount the anchor there. Just some opptions specifically for Danforth style anchors:

Deck mount, SS, about $47 by Sea Dog.

Rail mount, SS, about $40. Available in vertical rail mount too. By Windline.

 

[jimmyebay]

Re: cutting out under seats

thanks!! i thought that foam would prob be under there. ill have to look and try to see if i can figure a another place out for the foam. you dont think it would affect the structure of the boat, do you??? i dont wanna hit a big wave hard and crack the hull of something crazy. thanks!!!