Gunnel box project

[SkunkBoat]

I've been doodling designs for new gunnel boxes for years. Finally stopped thinking and started DOing.
Got a big piece of 1/2" Starboard and went to work.

The design went through many variations including hinged doors, tackle drawers, sliding doors...I settled on a starboard frame with one piece of white plexigas that lifts/drops into a rail. Keep it simple...

One side will hold life jackets and the other will store a gaff and a brush

Here's what we got done today. Will cut the plexi tomorrow

Not sure if I'll stick with this plexi, too transparent. There is a less transparent type and a totally opaque type.

[SkunkBoat]

plexiglas worked out as planned. I like it.

Working on making some toe kick with bumped-out cushions and then go over the length of the gunnels with starboard.

[RWilson2526]

Damn, I'm liking that.....I have pretty much come to the conclusion that actually using the rod holders to hold rods is a complete pain in the ***. Nice use of space for storage.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by RWilson2526

Damn, I'm liking that.....I have pretty much come to the conclusion that actually using the rod holders to hold rods is a complete pain in the ***. Nice use of space for storage.

Couldn't agree w/you more, Rob...I put rod holders back in this '84 and they are worthless...I'll eventually redo as gear/PFD storage...

That white fogged plexiglass looks GREAT, Skunk!!...looks like lift n' lay kinda fit...if you ever took a notion to back-light that, you'd have wimins a swimmin' out to yer boat for sex...

[SkunkBoat]

oooooooh! Just wrote a post and accidentally lost it by closing the browser. Still not used to this Mac.

Oak pollen raining down on boat. Maple seeds raining down on boat. RAIN raining down on boat...

Wanted to be launched before the oaks dropped but NOOOO!


Got some things done on the gunnel project. Changed my mind and decided to go the whole length with bolster instead of the 36" ones. (bought those when Boater's World went out of business years ago for $10).

The pvc fascia in the pic will get covered in vinyl bolster. Ordering some vinyl foam and Monel staples. With 2" foam I'll have 3 1/2" of toe kick....sweet!

[SkunkBoat]

can't catch a fish so I worked on the bolsters today.
My first time doing this. worked out pretty OK.
Not the best corners...

I bought vinyl and foam from onlinefabrics 3yds x54" $33 and 2"x24"x59" eva-dry foam $33.

Enough vinyl to do the job twice plus some..

spray adhesive and Monel staples(West Marine $27 ouch!)
brass grommets for drainage/airflow. bought at West Marine $19 kit then saw them at Lowes for $8

covering the 3/4" x 5 1/2" PVC fascia. added 3 mounting bolts before starting the job.

Will mount on the gunnels if it ever stops raining.