Compartment hatch and cooler ?

[doman]

im loking for compartment hatch ..where would be the best place to buy one cant really find anything in the size i need ..i wanna make a livewell in the center of the floor right in front of the fuel tank hatch needs to apox 10x24 or as close as possible waterproof ofcourse ..also i would like to make a cooler right under one of the rear seats and i need some kind of plastic bin that i would just stick in there ...Any ideas about makeing either one really aprreciated<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Dom

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Compartment hatch and cooler ?

Doman, I did not see the correct hatch for you in my BoatUS catalog. You could fabricate one from teak lumber, Starbrite lumber, Trex decking or even plain old 5/4 pressure treated lumber. <br /><br />If you want to make a below deck livewell, you will need to cut out the floor, adapt yout stringers/frames to the livewell, frame it out (in urethane foam or plywood) and fiberglass it. The subject is too complex to describe here. <br /><br />As for the cooler, the obvious answer is to buy a cooler of the correct size and stick it under the seat. A much less efficient cooler can be made by choosing the proper sized clothing storage container with a lid. If you put styrofoam around and under the storage container, it will be more insulated.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Compartment hatch and cooler ?

did you look at Cabela's? I bought some Tempress hatches from them several years ago and have been very happy with them. Easy to install (once you get over the hang up of cutting the hole!), durable and waterproof. They have a bunch of different types and sizes. Don't know if they have the right size for you. Note when you look at them - finished size is different than hole size.

 

[miloman]

Re: Compartment hatch and cooler ?

I was going to say Cabela's as a source for the hatch. As for the cooler go to any RV dealer and look into a rotationally moulded tank. There are mnay different sizes Im sure there will be one to match. You will have to cut the top out to suit and make sure that all 4 sides and base are supported, but styrofoam will do the job as well as insulating it. Failing that and wanting a cheaper alternative, most home improvment centers sell sheet acrylic cut it to the exact sixe you want crazy glue the joints followed by 5200 silicone and you will have no worries. I did the acrylic route and it has been in my boat and taken all sorts of ice and pounding from waves and no problem Hope this helped

 

[Bearcamp]

Re: Compartment hatch and cooler ?

As far as the door goes. RV dealer might be able to fix you up.I work at an RV manufacturer and we have all size of doorr. I built a deck on the front of my Jon and used a luggage door for storage underneath it. Worked great.

 

[doman]

Re: Compartment hatch and cooler ?

cool ..thanks for all the ideas..ill check everything out and ill post some pics when im done<br /><br />Dom