Looking for pros and cons of under deck storage

[PiratePast40]

Since I'm totally restoring my 18' runabout, was wondering about using the area between the stringers for storage. From other boats I've seen, it looks like I'd need to frame out the hatch with aluminum angle but that's not a big deal. Just wondering if the lack of foam in that area will be a problem or if there are other issues I might face with this modification.

Thanks

 

[maxum247]

Re: Looking for pros and cons of under deck storage

More information on the type of boat you have would help to determine the answers on how you need to proceed with the modifications you are considering!

max!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Looking for pros and cons of under deck storage

Boat is a 1977, 18' fiberform w/volvo 4 cyl I/O. layout is pretty basic. Gas tank is in the enclosed bow. No cutty cabin or walkthru. Back to back seats on both sides and single seats on both sides of the engine compartment. Deck is flat and the seats are attached to their own boxes - the boxes are not built into the boat.

It's a pretty basic and boring layout and we want to use the boat for lake cruising and fishing. I don't want to even think of a livewell. Due to all the work involved in replacing the deck, stringers, and transom, I'm thinking that even the fish will need to dry off before they get into the boat!

 

[83mulligan]

Re: Looking for pros and cons of under deck storage

Due to all the work involved in replacing the deck, stringers, and transom, I'm thinking that even the fish will need to dry off before they get into the boat!

HAHA, that is funny!

 

[danond]

Re: Looking for pros and cons of under deck storage

You're likely not removing enough foam to make a huge difference. Your primary concern with removing the foam might be structure. Some boats use it to hold things up, or in place. Something to keep in mind.

Plan your construction so that the storage containers can drain into the bilge (an nowhere else). Lots of fiberglass to seal the boxed area up, stainless piano hinge or something similar and marine fold-down latches and you should be good to go.

I don't see any cons in deck storage if it's done right. I think it's good use of otherwise useless space.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Looking for pros and cons of under deck storage

HAHA, that is funny!

Glad you liked it!

danond - good work on both the boat and the web site - both look professional.

I was thinking of just laying some extra cloth and resin in the compartment for reinforcement and allowing a flow through arrangement. Would a separate box with a drain be a better approach?

Since cutting the new transom and putting it into place will be my next step, I'm reading all I can about how others have accomplished the task. I noticed that you used 3 sheets of 1/2". That was the same as the transom I tore out and they used a similar method of bonding the final sheet while in the boat. I'll be using 3/4" and bonding the two sheets prior to placement.

I noticed that you're using BilgeKote. Does that happen to be a gray color? The reason I'm asking is that I've discovered something the color of bondo on the bottom of my boat and it's gray. Wondering if it might just be BilgeKote and I'm getting upset about nothing.