Fish Hold

petie82 · #1 08-01-2008, 10:07 AM

Hi all,
I'm new to posting on this forum, but I have been reading it for a few years. I have a 1970 20' Center Console and I always have a lack of space on the boat when I go fishing with coolers, ice, and gear. I was thinking of trying to install a fish hold under the aft deck in the bilge between the stringers. There is a lot of room in there and I could have a hatch all the way from the splash well up to the console. Just started thinking about this the other day but curious if anyone has any thoughts or has done anything like this. Thanks

JohnB · #2 08-01-2008, 11:39 AM

I built a fishbox for my 23' Sceptre and put it between the stringers in the back. Make sure you put a lot of insulation around it, and have a strong lip and hatch over it. The only thing I haven't done yet is put a masceator pumpout on it. If you want, I can shoot some pictures.

petie82 · #3 08-01-2008, 11:49 AM

some pictures would be awesome. I was thinking that I would make it out of some sort of foam core so that it is insulated well and holds ice for a while. also, the macerator pump would definitely be needed to take care of scales and fish guts. thanks

1bayouboy · #4 08-01-2008, 04:44 PM

Ditto pictures...I'm think of doing that very thing....

JohnB · #5 08-04-2008, 06:45 PM

These are shots of my in-floor fishbox.
It is a little squarer than most, but I can tell you that a 30 pound grouper will fit in it. I carry one of the high tech chill bags in the cabin and if we get a big dolphin or Wahoo, just transfer the ice out of this, into the bag, slide the fish in, and toss it on the floor of the cabin.
This box has 2" of insulation all around, and the lid has a lip with water drain, and seal. It holds ice for a couple of days.

These are shots of my in transom livewell, all 42 Gals

If you have any questions, let me know.

petie82 · #6 08-04-2008, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the pics! That gives me some good ideas for getting this project started, but probably not until fishing season is over for the year.
One question, I noticed the screws running around the deck where the hold appears to be. Did you just cut up the deck and then replace the same piece by screwing it back down after the hold was installed? That seems like it would save a lot of work.

JohnB · #7 08-04-2008, 09:01 PM

This is a 23' Sceptre, 89 version, and the deck was sectioned up already, with screws holding it in. It used to have the livewell in the floor, I moved that to the transom, and enlarged the livewell tub, insulated it, and put a bigger hatch on it.