1979 19' SeaRay...Ski box in the middle?

[New_Blue]

Hi,

My boat has a box (1' X 3' approx.)that runs between the front seats and I am trying to figure out what to do with this space. A friend of mine said that it was probably used to store ski's but it doesn't look long enough to me. It appears to have drains to allow water to go back to the bilge so I don't think I will be able to have a water tight compartment unless I suspend something above the bottom of the boat...right? I don't mind buying something but wondering if they make something that could stand the weight of a beef eater like me standing on it. I have thought about a livewell but afraid that may be beyond my abilities....maybe

Thank you in advance for the help!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1979 19' SeaRay...Ski box in the middle?

It's usually a storage box and on some boats it might be long enough for ski's but in your case maybe a rope or anchor and anchor rope.

If you want a "livewell" get a cooler type one. Trust me you will want that storage locker for other things and I imagine it is centered.

The amount of work to turn it into a livewell would not be worth the trouble.

 

[lake hound]

Re: 1979 19' SeaRay...Ski box in the middle?

It is a ski box. I have 5-1"x 3" Teak boards the lenth of the box. There should be a 1/2" ss. angle iron rail around the top of the opening flush with the top of the floor. the teak had 3-1"x 3" x 11 3/4" under and screwed to the 5 slats. I put hinges on mine. You can get hinges that will come apart when the door is opened. I am 350# and have not had a problem with mine

 

[seaboo]

Re: 1979 19' SeaRay...Ski box in the middle?

On mine (an 87) the front of the box is open so you can store skis in it. It sounds like yous is the same only without the front end removed. Converting it to a live well would be ALOT of work (and the center storage is nice). The teak wood "door" (assuming it's there) is strong enough to suport you. If it's gone it's easy enough to build or they sell fiberglass doors (I assume it's a standard size) either one is made to suport a persons weight.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: 1979 19' SeaRay...Ski box in the middle?

Since I'm rebuilding the deck on mine, I built a box that's roughly 18" wide by 24" long, glassed and painted it, and then mounted it between the stringers. I was able to pick up a hatch cover and will cut the hole and mount that as soon as I get the engine back in the boat.

Thought my work might give you some ideas. I shopped for a hatch for quite awhile and was also worried about weight on the hatch. There are quite a few hatch covers available. I was able to find a decent one a Great lakes Skipper but there are other sources as well.