Adding in deck storage???
 

Anyone ever add in deck storage on a 4 stringer 20 Seacraft? I removed a lot of foam when I re did the boat a few years back and I'm trying to see if it's practical to add some sort of hatch to access the now empty area. I'd have to make a front and rear bulkhead. Anyone ever done it? Below is a picture during the deck replacement. The starboard side is where my rigging tube is now but the port side is open fore to aft. Thoughts?

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4db63e17.jpg

I have thought about the void in front of the fuel tank.... it would be a good place for storage / bait well in the floor ??? or a cast net locker / pretty sure someone made it a fresh water tank area but it may have been on a 23..... I plan to build a coffin bos on my 20 when I redo my console so it may be out of the question for me ..

I did this on a Hiliner 222 that was restored. Used the bulkhead in front of the tank and added another 4' ahead. Then glassed in a 3" lip around the deck opening and made a cover. The cooler went on top for seating and was just in front of the console. Plumbed the drainage hole to the stern with 1.5" tubing.

Any pictures blackfin? I'm curious to see the lip you made. Thanks

so here's what I'm thinking...

Since my outboard port stinger is empty (no rigging or foam) I can cut a slit in the deck between the two stingers wide enough to slide down a piece of 1/2 inch thick fiberglassed piece of MG plywood. I'd have to get the dead rise of course for that area and I'd make a cardboard template first to make sure I had a good fit for the deadrise, then I could just cut that piece I slide down flush with the deck, grind out 12:1 then glass the top of that area of the deck and walla, theres a bulkhead. I'd leave a drainage hole in the bottom inboard side of my new bulkhead so any water could drain to the bilge like it does now. Then do the same thing for the aft bulkhead and then I have a storage area. I would just need to add an aftermarket hatch and I'm good to go right? my inserted bulkhead would not need to be perfect match to the hull deadrise as I will just be storing bigger items down there. anyone see any issues with this? There are no fuel, electrical or anything in that area to interfere or have to move. Please help, I need another winter project.........

You could use a Bladder tank for fresh water. It would conform to the bottom. All sizes available.
Google Plastimo Bladder water tanks:D

I did the Hiliner and took old school pics which the new owner has. None on my computer but I'll double check. I also put a floor in it so that it was not tied in to the bilge drainage. I used it for dry storage only.

I'm looking to make this a wet/dry storage. I just want to put stuff in there like life jackets, lines, fenders, maybe a tool box, etc...

Any thoughts as if this plan is a sound idea or am I asking for trouble? Thanks.

The space will develop mold and stay damp especially if water is not kept out of the bilge. Some owners have glassed in the vents which enables more moisture. Life jackets would not be a good idea. Spare prop, oil container, weather tight tool box , fenders etc would work.

good point Capt Chuck. do you think my idea of adding bulkheads (by slipping them in vertically) would work or am I somehow compromising structural integrity somewhere? Thank you.

No problem. Just tab in some PVC board.
Don't forget a limber in the forward & back corners.
Also, if debris by some chance gets in the steps ahead of the bulkheads you might have a problem getting it out. So I would keep them only a few inches tall so you can reach over them.

I have my deck off and I considered doing a forward locker too. I have almost talked myself out of it at this point.
1) I ran the numbers as well as I could and if I fill the space under the deck with buoyancy foam I get close to enough flotation to float the weight of the boat. I have a large enough aft bilge and 55 Gallon fuel tank and that's it under the deck. I expect to add around 30 cf of 2lb foam and another 12 cf of 4lb foam in the box stringers. That's almost 2500lbs of flotation. If it works out like that when I actually do the work I feel good about the flotation in most any situation.
2) I like the idea of a large single piece of cored forward deck for strength. I will have a large bilge hatch and a gas tank hatch. If I add a forward locker I am effectively splitting the entire deck bow to stern with very little deck left to connect the port and starboard sides. I am removing the casting deck and with it a lot of the structural support at the bow. If you are keeping yours then maybe my logic doesn't apply to you - I just like a more monolithic deck.
3) After seeing Shine build a coffin box I am considering making something similar. That way my forward storage can be big enough for dive tanks & gear and also be high enough to drain onto the deck instead of into the bilge. I would also make that lockable for traveling with dive gear. I just wish I had enough room to lock up fishing gear! I haven't figured that one out yet.