Inspection hatches
 

This could also go into repairs just as easily.
Finally came up with a plan of attack to mount the seats and I’m reusing the pedestal type that was in the boat.
I was convinced the wood in the floor was rotten and would need replacing.
Come to find out the screw holes to the pedestals was the only major rot problem.
The easiest solution I could come up with was to install inspection hatches between the seats, only once I cut the holes for them could I determine the condition of the floor.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture215.jpg
Now all I had to do was add plywood support beneath the seat locations and screw or bolt the seats back in location.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: This model not only didn’t have flotation but the hull and deck is glued together which will prohibit separation, say for stringer replacement!

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture214.jpg

Re: Inspection hatches
 

all of them have the floors glued to the stringers but i bet yours is like everyones the floor is loose there now. the glue dries up and then breaks loose so much for that glue. but if you remove use liquid nails adhesive, it will out last the boat.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

So far the floor appears stuck tightly to the stringers.
Maybe I can change that when I get the boat useable ;D which should be about the time the northeasters start to blow around here.
Thanks Skools

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Oh, here's the plywood being used.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture226.jpg
It's form board and very resistant to being in the weather as is. First ran across it about 25 years ago.
After being discarded on a jobsite, I brought it home and put it on the walkway to the dock. I believe it lasted another 15 years till we redid the walkway.
And the tell-tale signs of being formboard is the orange paint on the outer edges.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture227.jpg

Re: Inspection hatches
 

So, did you cut the circle first and then the cut out for the hatch lid?

Looks good. Now you have good access to the guts of that rig!

Keep us posted on your progress.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Yes on the circle cutting. The hatch rough opening is exactly the same distance between the stringers, so I actually had to do more prospect cutting to square between the stringers.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

CC guard made a law in 77 for flotation, thats why the newer boats then ares have a higher deck then ares for the tank and flotation.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

if you're thinking of adding floatation, I've been toying with the idea of using foam noodles, they're closed cell foam, and as soon as Labor Day passes, they will be on sale for cheap. just cram'em anywhere you want floatation.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Thats a good Idea! They are $1 each right now

Re: Inspection hatches
 

I haven't been able to find the big ones, next time I work near Myrtle beach, I'll have to stop in at "Wings"

Re: Inspection hatches
 

$1 is for the small ones, I will have to look around? I have a wings here also

Re: Inspection hatches
 

don't forget your "free hermit crab" ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

spare's been reading my mind.
Thanks for speaking out, I thought it might be too silly to pursue. ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Sweeeeeeet! Free Crabs! I got some free ones once :o

Hey man good idea on the noodles!

Re: Inspection hatches
 

there are plenty of palces to get free crabs in Myrtle Beach ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

And their most active after midnight! ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Heyyyyyy! *Was that a cut on me? *??? *Worst I've had at Myrtle Beach is sand fleas in my crotch *;D

That's the truth - see when I go down to the beach with the kids we alway like to dig em up and show em to the other kids. *Heck its something I did as a kid and they rolled around in the surf like crazy back then. *But now we hardly see many at Myrtle Beach any more. *Strange *:-/

Side track *:-* *::) *Anyway nowadays I love to see my wifes face when I drop a good handful down the back of her bathing suit bottoms *;D *Really, you should try it some time *;D *Don't show her how to catch them and hopefully she won't get you back *;D *Mine knows how to catch them *:'( :o

So wazzup with the edited post - what DID you have in there :o ::) ;D

End of hi-jack - sorry! *Please don't beat me Tsubi!

Beautiful cutouts you made for the hatches 8)

Re: Inspection hatches
 

post was edited for my spelling errors, trying to wind talk ;)

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Where's the finish result pics. at. :'(

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Waiting on 1 hatch cover to show up.
Did get the pedestals screwed and glued last night.
I'll post this afternoon

Re: Inspection hatches
 

We will be waiting. ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...cture228-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture230.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture232.jpg

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Maybe that will hold you for a while. ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

But not much longer ;D Good job man, It does my heart good to see other guys taking grinders and circular saws to their boats.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

What..only two Pics. >:(

Lookin good. ;) ;D

Re: Inspection hatches
 

Other hatch didn't show up. :(
They didn't have any record of ordering it either, so on the wait again. :-/


Here we go, finally.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...Picture264.jpg

Re: Inspection hatches
 

I tho't about pouring two part closed cell foam under the floor but, figure it won't really help keep the boat afloat and if anything'll jus weight it down. You're idea of the noodles sounds better. At least any water could still drain.

Re: Inspection hatches
 

figured it was cheap and easy

what you put on that floor to make it so glossy. i was thinking of using sad-tread on the top half of my boat sins the gel coat is long gone and in the cabin area were there was carpet. :nice:

Good idea on the noodles, Spare...

Tsubaki, be sure and SEAL the freshly cut edges or your floor deck before you install the hatches...that good wood won't last long if it's exposed...and since you got access now, a backing plate under the pedistal would be a REEL SOLID install!!...if not, suggest you find the biggest SS washers for each screw...


Ooops!!...didn't see Page 2...install looks great!!...good idea on the hatches!!...

Thanks reel.
Them hatches keeps me thinking about pouring the bottom full of foam. Ain't done it yet, still thinking.

I like spare's suggestion of stuffin' noodles in it better than pourin' foam...w/hatch access, one day you might wanna change the flotation...think about which would be easier...do the noodles...foam can get water-logged, closed cell or not...

That's (my excuse) why I ain't done nothing yet!
I guess I'm gonna have to go to Daytona or Mytrle Beach to get the noodles.
All the ones I've seen around here for the last couple of years have holes in the centers of them.

Dem holes aid in bilge drainage there, bubba!:beer: