New project!!

[ky.jonboatfisher]

Im in the middle of a project im doing to my front deck on my boat. Im cutting a hole for storage. Is there any tips you all could give me
Thanks

[HURRICANEBOB]

a. Stop cutting BEFORE you get to the water line. Failing to do so means the things in your storage area will get wet, and may be lost overboard.
b. Start with the dimensions of the liner you plan to install, then cut the whole 1/8 on all sides larger than the UN-LIPPED side dimensions. Don't measure the lips, mesure the sides below the lips. In other words, pick the liner first that suits your storage needs, then decide the size of the whole after liner measurements.
c. Think about how you want to seal the lid. Will you seal the lid, or the surface of the deck the lid lays against? To my way of thinking, seal the lid, and over size the seal so it will be under stress when latched shut, compressing the seal.
d. Decide if the lid of the storage area will be walked on, if so, design it for that structural weight bearing requirement.
e. How will you hinge the lid? Deckside exposed hinges can be a trip hazzard.
f. Never cut till you know exactly where the load bearing stringers.
g. What are you cuting thru, a wood, aluminum, or fibergalss deck. Makes a difference on tool choice.
h. Have you considered the alternative of above deck storage boxes? Restricts deck space, but may achieve the need without altering the boats structure or integrity.

Thouhgts, lots of smater guys can answer the detailed stuff. Do tell them what boat, materials you plan to use, as it will help get better advise!
Cheers!

[Fisherjoe]

That just about covers it Bob!

[ky.jonboatfisher]

a. Stop cutting BEFORE you get to the water line. Failing to do so means the things in your storage area will get wet, and may be lost overboard.
b. Start with the dimensions of the liner you plan to install, then cut the whole 1/8 on all sides larger than the UN-LIPPED side dimensions. Don't measure the lips, mesure the sides below the lips. In other words, pick the liner first that suits your storage needs, then decide the size of the whole after liner measurements.
c. Think about how you want to seal the lid. Will you seal the lid, or the surface of the deck the lid lays against? To my way of thinking, seal the lid, and over size the seal so it will be under stress when latched shut, compressing the seal.
d. Decide if the lid of the storage area will be walked on, if so, design it for that structural weight bearing requirement.
e. How will you hinge the lid? Deckside exposed hinges can be a trip hazzard.
f. Never cut till you know exactly where the load bearing stringers.
g. What are you cuting thru, a wood, aluminum, or fibergalss deck. Makes a difference on tool choice.
h. Have you considered the alternative of above deck storage boxes? Restricts deck space, but may achieve the need without altering the boats structure or integrity.

Thouhgts, lots of smater guys can answer the detailed stuff. Do tell them what boat, materials you plan to use, as it will help get better advise!
Cheers!

What do u mean with the water line????

[ryan_ekubass]

What do u mean with the water line????

the water line is as high up on the sides of the boat as the water gets while the boat is floating.....

[DJD]

Im in the middle of a project im doing to my front deck on my boat. Im cutting a hole for storage. Is there any tips you all could give me
Thanks

I have been working on my 1448 Tracker Grizzly alot recently. I installed a wood front deck and rear deck but no hatches. I'm thinking more along the lines of drawers from under the deck.
Got a buddy who customizes small boats locally (Autosports Marine Division) and has done a great job with his with this drawer idea. I don't like the idea of compromising the integrity of the deck.