Two ski lockers on an 18' SS?

bunker108

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
482
So I have this 1/2 poly board type stuff that a friend gave me from his old boat...it used to be an engine cover. Anyway I had planned on using it as a door or wind break between the consoles. It is the wrong size for that. Well after my recent trip to Lake Powell, camping off a boat for four days, it became apparant that I need under floor storage. Will it weaken my floor too much if I cut two holes and put these down? This stuff seems like it would be pretty strong if I trimed out the holes with some wood supports, angle iron or just some metal strap. What do you guys think?
IMG_0948.jpg

IMG_0947.jpg

IMG_0946.jpg
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Two ski lockers on an 18' SS?

i think it could work. did you do your floors in 5/8 or 3/4"? i would probably add an aluminum crossbrace between the stringers immediately forward and aft of each hole (like the 1.5x1.5 x1/16" thick L-channel from Lowes etc) , and screw some plywood backer strips around the perimeter of the holes so they overlap slightly into the holes and your hatches have something to drop onto.
 

InMotion

Commander
Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
2,080
Re: Two ski lockers on an 18' SS?

Sounds good bunker. I would add that if the floor has a joint you may want to add a lap joint piece just reinforce the floor pieces so they don't flex or squeak.
 

BonairII

Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
2,727
Re: Two ski lockers on an 18' SS?

With 2 ski lockers....is there much flotation foam left in the boat?
 

bunker108

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
482
Re: Two ski lockers on an 18' SS?

I think it will work too. Maybe I will start with one and the see if the second one will be needed. I am not sure about how much floatation is needed in the boat either.

So the next question is how for apart are the stringers and where is the best placement?
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Two ski lockers on an 18' SS?

stringers in 18' hull are just under 24" apart
 
Top