1988 Sunbird, Make my own storage?

[Old No 7]

I have a 1988 Sunbird cuddy cabin. This boat has almost no storage. The seats in the cabin do not open up for storage. <br /><br />I was thinking of cutting a section of the top of the seats off at the back of the cabin and making my own. I would brace it internally, and hinge the tops.<br /><br />Before I cut.... Is there anything I should know? Is this a bad idea?<br /><br />Also, the Open part of the boat is covered in an outdoor carpet. It's always a mess no matter what I do. Would it be an issue if I pulled it up, and painted the fiberglass? What type of paint should I use?<br /><br />Thanks in advance!<br /><br />Mike

 

[Realgun]

Re: 1988 Sunbird, Make my own storage?

Can you post a picture? Once you cut the tops of the seats you may find floatation foam. Do not remove this as the boat if ever swamped may sink. Be very careful when you cut so as not to cut into the hull causing you more grief. As to the floor, you can use any outdoor paint you want however you might want to add some nonskid granules to the paint so you make it less of a slip hazzard.

 

[dcpcccrc]

Re: 1988 Sunbird, Make my own storage?

Hey im redoing a 89 sunbird and have the carpet pulled up now that fiberglass isn't smooth and finished it is made to have carpet over it besides for storage and cleanliness the best thing to do would be rip out interior carpet and all and do everything custom the only thing expensive about it is having it upholstered As long as you build everything yourself

 

[CTD]

Re: 1988 Sunbird, Make my own storage?

Is your gas tank in the floor or on it. On my boat the tank was on the floor but a large area under the floor was left for an optional gas tank. I divided that area into 3 compartments, 2 for storage and one for a built in ice chest. As far as the floor goes you could sand it down and put a layer of fiberglass cloth to smooth it out then coat it with a non slip paint.