project

[scbassfanatic]

SInce I have been sidelined for a week or two or three because of an ankle injusry, I am going to take the opportunity to attend to some small projects on my PT 175 I have been wanting to do but didnt want to sacrifice fishing time to do it.

FIrst and foremost I want to extend my front deck all the way back to the drivers console. I want more area to fish from and also add some storeage space. Has anyone tackled anything like this? Will it cause me any issues with the overall balance of the boat? I am thinking of doing a drop down step beside the console and want to have a built in cooler like I have seen on larger boats. Problem is I cant find one to fit in the space. Has anyone tried building a cooler? What materials should I use?

The next item on the list is the removal of the center seat. I have decided to do this because last winter I had to follow a fish to the back of the boat and tripped over the center seat trying to get to the back deck. Given that I dont have much space to mount the radio and speakers I got for fathers day, I am thinking of building a small box to take the place of the seat to house the radio in. I will attach it to the hinges for the current seat and it will fold up as the seat did to get to storage space. Where is a good location to mount the speakers? I was thinking to the sides in front of the seats.

DO I have to use a specific type of wood when constructing these projects, or will treated plywood suffice?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Am I making a mistake?

[fishinfranklin]

to make your cooler you could get one of the plastic boxes that are used in some boats for storage,then make a wood box about a inch and a half bigger on all sides and bottom and then use some foam insulation spray to fill in the gap between the two,make a lid for it and spray the bottom with the foam and then trim it to let the top close. I made one a few years ago out of a big rubbermaid tote for the bed of my truck.

[scbassfanatic]

thanks for the info. i think i may try it. I dont nkow why, but Ijust want the built in cooler. I guess its my way having my version of the luxuries of an expensive boat without the payment, LOL. THanks I will definitely be looking into it.

[Brummo]

I use the tackle storage in the back of the boat.  It is surrounded by foam and has the removable insert.  It's been working great for me.  Holds plenty of bee...soda.... .  Keeps it cold for at least a day.

[scbassfanatic]

Never thought of that one. Thats a pretty dog-gone good idea. Less work too. Thanks for the ehads up on that one.

[socal Pat]

Well you learn something new everyday. Thanks Brummo! I tried it out today and it worked great. Never knew the tray was removable. Noticed there is a hole in the foam for drainage so I might drill a small adjacent hole in the plastic liner to let out water as the ice melts.

[Brummo]

I've had ice held in there from morning to morning.  You could also put some type of insulation under the lid as well and will keep the heat from the lid off the ice too.  I think it works great. .  I keep the water in it to keep the bee....soda cold as well.