SoCal Jet Boats

Discussion => The No Wake Zone => Topic started by: ka0tyk on August 06, 2012, 05:21:54 PM

Title: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: ka0tyk on August 06, 2012, 05:21:54 PM
#1, the wife is scared shitless of the motor. last time she burned the crap out of her leg.  now she doesnt even want to climb in from the back.

#2. it'll probably keep the engine bay a little tidier.  right now since its open we throw anything and everything back there.  life jackets, coolers, dead hookers.  you name it, thats where it ends up at. 


anyone have any pix of a 18 footer boat with an engine hatch that doesnt look like a giant mountain?  id want to keep it as flat as possible, no huge bumps in it, im fine if the tops of the exhaust and carb/scoop poke out of the middle. 

wtf should i build it out of?  do i start with like a 2x8 and then cut the curve into it?  how should i make the rounded corners? id like to be able to stand on it without worrying but then again i dont want it to weight 600 pounds.  is there a lightweight wood thats strong? 

since i have the side seats, should i have a middle cushion and back part made so that the seats wrap around into a small bench? 
Title: Re: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: Scottycox on August 06, 2012, 07:59:17 PM
Hey man I have a 20.5ft but love my engine covered just for safety issues and the girl loves it to lay out on . There is advantages to both guess is just what you prefer .
Title: Re: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: crewchief22 on August 06, 2012, 08:25:03 PM
You need to find some pics of Hallet Dave's "Root Beer Float", the upholstery is awsome and it has some of the items you're looking for.

Title: Re: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: mobboss on August 06, 2012, 09:30:08 PM
if your going to put a hatch. id get rid of the side seats and run a back seat. gives the hatch a great attaching point, and will save weight and good strength.
Title: Re: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: Roadrunner on August 07, 2012, 08:39:09 AM
My boat before this one I converted it to a bench and 2 buckets. The engine and back cover were almost flat, with two storage doors, one on each side. My wife liked it better than the original interior (didn't love it). The problem we had was that it is difficult to get into the boat from the back with the bimini up. I limbo like a mofo now though.
Title: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: 74hondo on August 07, 2012, 11:35:35 AM
Wrap the wood in fiberglass to increase the strength of thinner wood. If you keep the inward facing seats you can still add support for the hatch. Still pretty easily too
Title: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: 74hondo on August 07, 2012, 01:30:59 PM
Wrap the wood in fiberglass to increase the strength of thinner wood. If you keep the inward facing seats you can still add support for the hatch. Still pretty easily too.
Title: Re: flirting with the idea of putting a hatch over my engine...
Post by: Your Mom on August 07, 2012, 07:50:47 PM
Just make side covers/doors that hinge open to the side. This way your engine is still exposed but you can walk over the side of it. I made a full hatch on mine and found a cooler to still fit under it. It will ad some weight back there so try and use some good fiberglass tricks to keep the weight down.
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