splash well modification?

[Gregk]

I?m considering buying this boat but as you can see, it has a ginormous splash well:

And no aft casting deck:

So the plan would be to cut down the back of that splash well 10 to 12 inches and make about a 2 foot deck, half going into the cockpit, half going into the splash well towards the transom. I'll either make a new back for the splashwell or just have the deck overhang.

Seem doable?

 

[guzziprov]

Re: splash well modification?

It's doable but remember there is a tremendous amount of strength needed in that area. Several Lund boats were made in the 17-20' range to accomodate what you have described so my suggestion is to take a look at how they did it.

Lot's of work to keep it strong enough.

 

[CBGale2]

Re: splash well modification?

Whats wrong with standing on the floor and casting? Looks like a really nice boat, hate to see it cut up.

 

[Gregk]

Re: splash well modification?

Whats wrong with standing on the floor and casting? Looks like a really nice boat, hate to see it cut up.

My fishing partners like to sit.

You guys make good points.

Maybe it's best not to fool around with the structure of the boat like this...especially seeing as it's maxed out with the 150 HP engine.

The other option would be to put the deck in front of that splashwell back. Looks to be plenty of room between there and the rear seats. Maybe with a hinged top so I could still get at that battery access???

Or put in a center seat base and forget about the deck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: splash well modification?

Check out this thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=412704

 

[ajgraz]

Re: splash well modification?

Maybe a solution could be found by somehow recessing the sliding doors to the battery compartment, or even replacing those with a vinyl "curtain." Call it a "foot well" or "toe well" At least you'd be able to stand a bit further aft that way, bracing your thighs against the stern.

 

[Gregk]

Re: splash well modification?

Check out this thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=412704

Yaeh, i say that one. that's a bit more than I wanted top get into. I'd be a bit nervous fooling with a transom that holds a 150.

That's an idea, ajgraz. Or maybe eliminate any kind of door or flap all together. I'd just need some battery boxes then.

Also thought about maybe rigging up some kinda luggage rack over the splashwell. then i could bungee down a cooler and maybe my boat bag. That'd be 2 less things taking up space in the cockpit.

BTW - gotta admit, those sliding doors are pretty lame.

 

[LonLB]

Re: splash well modification?

Whats wrong with standing on the floor and casting? Looks like a really nice boat, hate to see it cut up.

Because they are very deep boats, and because a deck and a smaller splash well would fit his fishing needs.

The hull design, and low cost is what make these desirable not the original floor plan, or layout.