Adding access panels into deck

[Redrig]

Hello all,

I have a 78 Bell boy 18 footer thats fiberglass, its an inboard with a 302.

I love the boat and it is solid in all aspects, good transom , solid floor , no soft spots ,ect.

The only drawback with the boat is very limited storage, I would love to add some large access panels into the floor if I have the room, but there lies my question.

How do I know if I have any room ? is there anyway to find out without tearing out the floor ? can I pound on the floors and find the structural points , a stud finder ? are there any tricks out there

Thanks in advance.

 

[stratcat88]

Re: Adding access panels into deck

hey red rig. i just went to pompano marine flea market and picked up 2 10by 23 access panels almost brand new for ten dollars a piece. got em home and just started cutting and it was perfect. you will know when you are hitting something wrong. DONT buy that over priced panels at the supply houses. good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Adding access panels into deck

Hello all,

I have a 78 Bell boy 18 footer thats fiberglass, its an inboard with a 302.

I love the boat and it is solid in all aspects, good transom , solid floor , no soft spots ,ect.

The only drawback with the boat is very limited storage, I would love to add some large access panels into the floor if I have the room, but there lies my question.

How do I know if I have any room ? is there anyway to find out without tearing out the floor ? can I pound on the floors and find the structural points , a stud finder ? are there any tricks out there

Thanks in advance.

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