Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

I've always admired the bait stations that are integrated into the solid transoms when people rebuild them. Adding a double fiberglass Hermco bracket and twin 150 four strokes is all the better. Okay, maybe I'm still dreaming and need to snap back into reality!!

But seriously, The classic 23's with the O/B configuration have a HUGE motor well that has A LOT of wasted space. It got me thinking, why can't some one design and build a "Bait Station" utilizing that space?? Well I'm gonna try!

The Goal is to look something like this....

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...7-401/Goal.jpg

This is where I start....

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...7-24-11003.jpg


The design will look something like this...

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e.../8-3-11005.jpg

Maybe add a small sink on the left and a cutting board in the center???

More later....

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

From a design standpoint, I need to make sure the motor cutout is large enough to tilt the motor All the way up to the "lock" position.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e.../8-3-11009.jpg

And also need to be sure the motor can turn left or right completely when in the trim position. I.e. shallow water operation.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e.../8-3-11011.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e.../8-3-11015.jpg

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

My "Livewell" design is an oval shape that will fit in the motorwell area and net out at least 20 gallon capacity.

Well the model/plug that I built has an 18 gallon capacity.... close enough.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...7-24-11012.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...7-24-11013.jpg

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

Really? It seams easier to just close the transom in, put a bracket and make an integrated livewell. Personaly I like to be able to sit or kneel right next to the motor while I am working on it. Unless your making the 'topper' removable it wont be possible.
Why not use a large bait board until your ready to put the bracket on?

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

Well after consulting with one of our resident fiberglass experts (Dave W. a.k.a. "Blue Heron") I built the mold for the top section. I integrated a trench leading to a small sink next to (behind) the cutting board area.The opening on the left (inverted) is the lip to accept the livewell tank.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...8-25-11009.jpg

After the first coat of gelcoat.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...lcoatspray.jpg

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

Now its time for fiberglass. 3 layers of 3/4 oz CSM, then 1 layer of 6 oz, then one layer of 10 oz. Added a stiffner to span the width and for strength.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...8-27-11008.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...8-27-11010.jpg

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

Okay, Time to pop the part out of the mold and see what we have.... http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...1/100_3927.jpg

Now to trial fit it on the boat and see how we did...Pretty close, need to trim one end (Notch)

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e.../9-1-11003.jpg

Now the sucky part... Lots of fairing! Yuck! But it determines the quality of the work from a finish point of view.
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...9-11-11004.jpg

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

It seems all integrated bait/livewells are along the centerline and yours is on the port side. Do you have something on the starboard side to offset the possible 105-110lbs of water in the well?

Cool design BTW.

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

Fully filled its 160 pounds. Battery (80 lbs) is on the starboard side as is the helm. Have trim tabs too, when running. Should balance out ok.

Re: Motor well Bait Station 2011
 

Did you do all of this yesterday?!!! You're an animal!