Cutting out aft fish box
 

Thinking about cutting my fish box out. It holds water and is pretty useless. I’d like the bilge access so I can install a sea cock for a above deck live well. Also maybe some tackle storage. Any input on where to make the cut? Pictures?
Thanks

I’d like to help, but it would help if you told us what year and model you’re working on. Pics are always helpful too.

1986 18

I figure I’ll start cutting from the inboard most square and work my way out if needed

Don't know if it's like the Potter built, but, you can see in my 'deck replacement' thread, there are some pics of that area inside & out and how I finished it with the hatch. Good luck!
Teaser...
http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...1&d=1619023771

I think the unknown is if the tub is providing support to the deck around the hatch. In other words,if you cut inside the tub just below the drain lip will there be support around the hatch.

On my 75, the baitwell “gutter” was barely inside the sringers.

Mine was cut out by the previous owner when I bought it. The cut was just inside the gutter. I didn't notice any flex walking on the hatch. The bilge access without it is astounding. The before pic doesn't show much detail but you can really see it in the after. I built a new gutter for the new deck and moved the drain plug to the keel. It holds zero water in the bilge now.

Hers what my bilge looks like after adding all the plumbing.

My fish box was cut out by the previous owner too, and I've been looing for a donor well. I'm on the Alabama Gulf Coast if you need to get rid of that thing.
Also, I'm looking for some hinge replacements for that hatch (installed in approximately stock location), previous owner removed them, any recommendations?

No grave —- really like your sea chest something you made up? What are the measurements and how are you mounting it ? To the stringer -bottom support?

They are more common on the larger boats with several livewells. This, along with my bait tank, was one of my first attempts at building from a mold. The interior dimensions are roughly 12" L x 9" W x 8" H and narrowing towards the bottom to allow for easy removal from the mold. I don't have good pictures but you can kind of see it in the last one, I built a wedge from some coosa board to match the angle of the hull, glassed that to the bottom of the seachest and glued the whole thing to bilge with 5200. The fitting on top is to vent the air when I first open the seacock and to allow me to rinse the pumps when I get back home.