18' parts question
 

Hey,

Loved the site and now plan to spend more time on it since I just got a 1985 18'. I have been trying to find info on a few parts that my boat is missing or has a cheap replacement for. Does anyone know where I may be able to find the starboard side transom hatch lid and drop in bin?

Thanks and I hope to have pictures from our maiden voyage tomorrow posted soon.

Mick

Re: 18' parts question
 

Most likely you will have to make one up. However that should not be to hard...maybe some of the 18' guys can chime in.

Re: 18' parts question
 

i have the same boat, although the drop in box is long gone in my transom hatches. i rebuilt mine a few years ago out of black walnut and ipe. it was a a little tricky since they are just off square (i used a cheap digital angle finder) but worked and looks sharp. an even cheaper (and lighter)way to go is starboard or some other synthetic. first, make a template, i prefer 1/4" ply to cardboard for this. then trace and cut your hatch, soften the corners and aadd hardware. as far as the drop in box goes, i dont have them but i would imagine you could find one online if you really hunted. id be happy to email you a few pics if you want to go the wood route. i know everybody likes to "stay original" w/ these boats, but wood trim on a good looking center console is hard to beat in my opinion.

Re: 18' parts question
 

Thanks for the tip. I may try to dress her up a bit i the near future. I was really hoping for a contact that already has some lying around. I haven't done anything to this boat personally... yet and I was hoping to keep it that way for a season or so.

I pulled the drop in bin from the boat I grew up on and it does not fit my hatches. It is possible it came from a Sceptre the same guy has but I felt sure it was from the 18' cc. Anyway I will be searching and planing the attack for some work in the winters.

thanks guys!

Re: 18' parts question
 

I need the starboard drop in box too. Could you take measurements. If you`re willing to part with it
Cheers,
GFS.

Re: 18' parts question
 

Those removable boxes are great on the 18SF. It gives a bunch more space when using them on a trip, ect.. Make a mold for sure..........

Re: 18' parts question
 

GFS
I am taking the one I have to a local fabricator. He is real good with restoration work and used to build for a local sportfish builder that went out of business in the 80's. I will get a price from him and pass it on.

Mick

Re: 18' parts question
 

Mick,
I just remembered I lost my port box, not the starboard. They are side specific. At least on mine anyway. It goes in, but not perfectly.

GFS

Re: 18' parts question
 

Hey. I dug around his property and found the right one. It fits. Problem is the hatch is a recent rebuild and the screws make it not shut with the bin in place. So I am looking for the original hatch cover. For now I am going to turn the screws around so then the through bolts will go the opposite way and the nuts won't hit the lip of the drop in well.

Anywho I will measure it and post it this weekend.

Mick