I have a new project 1988 23 SeaCraft some ?'s

[Trayder]

Hello gents-


I am working on a 1988 23 SeaCraft that needs a total re-wire, new deck paint, fitting, pumps etc etc....

I am good on everything but access to the bilge. (It freaking stinks) There is a small temptress hatch forward of the engine but it would take a contorsionist to change out a pump in a hurry.

In front of the splashwell are three screwed down deck panels, The fuel cell panel, a smaller panel behind that to access the sending units on the fuel cell, and then a large aft deck panel that contains the indeck live well.

I am thinking......just thinking here... of grinding off the in deck livewell from the aft panel and utilizing that as the new bilge access. The owner does not use the well and I figure I can gasket the exisitng hatch to keep most of the water out of the bilge. I also figure I can add beef up the underside of this panel for stiffness and we would be good to go.

Am I nuts here or do any other late eighties 23 Seacraft owners have any better ideas for bilge access.

thanks
Jason