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

[joey]

Jason,Are you adding to the fleet,or helping someone out?

[Trayder]

Hello Joey-

I am helping a friend out.

[hermco]

What does the gnome say?

[Trayder]

The gnome wants get his good friend and get old school on it with a handsaw....

[hermco]

Wow! Macho gnome!

My '78 has the same problem and it stinks great boats bad bilge, cut out the front wall of the fish box or have the doc. install extra elbow between wrist and exsisting elbow. Good luck.

[Dan]

Jason , I have an '88 and my .02 is to stretch before doing any work in the bilge. Really if I need to access the bilge for any work such as replacing a pump or a hose, I just pull out the rear deck panel w/ the so called livewell. It's easy to do & prevents a lot of swearing that would occur if I was doing the same thru the little tempress hatch. How fast/often do you need to change out a pump? Also the hatch to the livewell isn't that big. I don't see where doing what you suggest would be any better. Although, I don't use my indeck livewell either. I'm thinking of insulating it and converting it into an indeck fish box.

Danny

[ocuyler]

Jason,

I did exactly what you described on my '89. By cutting the bait well off (with that hatch removed), you have that access door to manage bilge business. I gasketed it and installed a latch to keep it closed. Mine did not require reinforcing as it was already built up with the baitwell.

[joey]

Very Nice Jason!I am sure that it is greatly appreciated.I know I wouldn't get near as far on my projects without Barry,( remember 6lb Barry).
Tarpon are biting if you can get loose for a few days?
Joey