Ski locker

[Bert1]

I would like to install a storage compartment (ski locker) in the floor of my boat (2001 Bayliner Capri 160). I cannot locate the schematics for the stringner system on this boat. Any suggestions as to where to look for the plans would be helpful. (Tried to contact Bayliner with no success and dealer is not much help either.) The floor is made of marine plywood with carpet glued on. It seems to me I should be able to add one in the center of the boat between the helm and port seats. I am looking at adding one that would be 12 inched deep by 12 inches wide by 24 inches long. The gas tank is not an issue as it is located in the port/stern area and is level with the deck. Can this be done? Thanks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Ski locker

Is the boat an outboard or an inboard? Usually with an outboard boat, you can look at the bilge sump at the very back, under the splashwell. The sides are usually the two innermost stringers, so that tells you how much space is in between the innermost stringers. A lot of times, there is no center stringer, so water can collect and make its way to the sump at the rear of the boat. In the end, if you can't find anyone who has had your model boat apart, you may need to make an inspection hatch. You cut a hole just big enough to be able to look, and use an aluminum inspection hatch to cover it if you find that you cannot do your project. I'm not a water skier, but 24 inches seems a bit on the short side for any skis I have seen. Either way, Good luck...

 

[Craig W]

Re: Ski locker

Bert1, here's something that might help you out if you can't find the schematics or don't feel like going thru or cutting an inspection hatch to locate stringers. I've had decent results with this and for your situation it should work quite well:<br /><br />Try a stud finder (with a deep scan mode)<br /><br />Calibrate it in an area where you are sure there are no stringers present (like the center portion of the deck) and slide it slowly toward the port or starboard. It should pick up the change in deck density as you pass over the stringers. This should provide you with an envelope for which you can locate your ski locker.<br /><br />I'm not sure how it may work with a carpet'd deck but I've used a deep scanning "Zircon" stud finder (from Home Depot) with success thru 3/4" G1S Fir ply<br /><br />I'm not familiar with the configuration of the Capri 160, but if you locate the locker hatch infront of the foremost bulkhead, you should have a "clear run" up the center of the hull, below deck, for your skis. In the boats I'm pulling apart (bowriders), and the one's I've seen with ski lockers, the hatch is located near the driver's chair in the center of the deck. Also, if the 24" you are mentioning is for the length of the locker hatch, you might want to verify that with the depth available, a 24" long hatch will be sufficient to "stuff" skis thru. On my boat, I have around a 30" long hatch and I have to put the skis thru a$$ end first because they won't fit otherwise (due to the length of hatch/depth of locker issue)<br /><br />HTH -good luck with your ski locker

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: Ski locker

I've done the ski locker thing years ago.here's the deal,call the Bayliner dealer and ask for a ski locker ring from a 1986 18'capri ,its 13" wide and 44" long(any shorter than that you cant put a ski in it with a shallow hole)its a self rimming top flange type ring .this ring is perfect for what your doing,as for the other things ,the stud finder is it, Good Luck

 

[Bert1]

Re: Ski locker

Thanks for the excellent suggestions and your help. I will attempt the project this spring. Sounds like it is feasable.