Deck Void Question
 

On the mid 80's V's there is a void infront of the floor deck box, basically right between the where the driver and copilot sit. Has anyone ever taken a look at what is down there? Seems like a lot of wasted space?

-Svence

I have that area on my 79'. There is alot of space between the fuel tank bulkhead and the cabin bulkhead. I use the space for my fenders and other things I don't mind getting wet.

When i redid the deck on my 83 i discovered that hugh area with nothing there & no way to access it. i installed a tempress hatch and use that for cast nets, fenders, etc. the area gets wet so you have to watch what you put there.


http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/o...6/DSCF0396.jpg

http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/o...6/DSCF0397.jpg

How big is the space? Are there any stringers in there or is it wide open? And how come its getting so wet in there?

-Svence

There are stringers on both sides and the bulkhead toward the bow is under the cabin door and the rear is the front of the fish box. i'll go and get some pics... how do i get photo bucket to show the pics instgead of the link?

http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/o...6/DSCF0399.jpg

http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/o...6/DSCF0398.jpg

http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/o...6/DSCF0395.jpg

first photo is the facing the stern and that is the fish box compartment(gotta be careful things like to slide up under there.
second photo is facing the cabin and the bulkhead under the door.

the only real problem i have had is the hatches don't hold up. ther is a lot of traffic and kids jumping off the cabin land on the hatch, usually change it out every couple of years.

I would assume thats where the fish box and the drain in the cuddy all drain to and then towards the back. I bet you could make an insert to keep everything dry before installing a hatch

RW, you are correct , sir. that part of the hull is the belly, the cabin drains into it and the bilge when the boat is at rest.

The area you guys are talking about is on outboard powered boats. The I/O's and SEA-DRIVES had the fuel tank there, and the in deck fishbox was where your gas tank is on these models. It is just simply the bilge of the boat. Any water that gets in through the anchor area or through the cabin runs through there. Or any water in your bilge can slosh up there while running.

Here's the deck of my SEA-DRIVE. You can see the tank hatch is furthur forward, and there is a big fish box/livewell behind it.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...R/HPIM0070.jpg