Gunnel box project

[SkunkBoat]

I've been doodling designs for new gunnel boxes for years. Finally stopped thinking and started DOing.
Got a big piece of 1/2" Starboard and went to work.

The design went through many variations including hinged doors, tackle drawers, sliding doors...I settled on a starboard frame with one piece of white plexigas that lifts/drops into a rail. Keep it simple...

One side will hold life jackets and the other will store a gaff and a brush

Here's what we got done today. Will cut the plexi tomorrow

Not sure if I'll stick with this plexi, too transparent. There is a less transparent type and a totally opaque type.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Some progress

plexiglas worked out as planned. I like it.

Working on making some toe kick with bumped-out cushions and then go over the length of the gunnels with starboard.

 

[RWilson2526]

Damn, I'm liking that.....I have pretty much come to the conclusion that actually using the rod holders to hold rods is a complete pain in the ***. Nice use of space for storage.

 

[reelapeelin]

Damn, I'm liking that.....I have pretty much come to the conclusion that actually using the rod holders to hold rods is a complete pain in the ***. Nice use of space for storage.

Couldn't agree w/you more, Rob...I put rod holders back in this '84 and they are worthless...I'll eventually redo as gear/PFD storage...

That white fogged plexiglass looks GREAT, Skunk!!...looks like lift n' lay kinda fit...if you ever took a notion to back-light that, you'd have wimins a swimmin' out to yer boat for sex...

 

[SkunkBoat]

oooooooh! Just wrote a post and accidentally lost it by closing the browser. Still not used to this Mac.

Oak pollen raining down on boat. Maple seeds raining down on boat. RAIN raining down on boat...

Wanted to be launched before the oaks dropped but NOOOO!


Got some things done on the gunnel project. Changed my mind and decided to go the whole length with bolster instead of the 36" ones. (bought those when Boater's World went out of business years ago for $10).

The pvc fascia in the pic will get covered in vinyl bolster. Ordering some vinyl foam and Monel staples. With 2" foam I'll have 3 1/2" of toe kick....sweet!

 

[SkunkBoat]

can't catch a fish so I worked on the bolsters today.
My first time doing this. worked out pretty OK.
Not the best corners...

I bought vinyl and foam from onlinefabrics 3yds x54" $33 and 2"x24"x59" eva-dry foam $33.

Enough vinyl to do the job twice plus some..

spray adhesive and Monel staples(West Marine $27 ouch!)
brass grommets for drainage/airflow. bought at West Marine $19 kit then saw them at Lowes for $8

covering the 3/4" x 5 1/2" PVC fascia. added 3 mounting bolts before starting the job.

Will mount on the gunnels if it ever stops raining.

 

[Destroyer]

Sweet looking job....sweet!!!!

 

[reelapeelin]

Nice work, Skunk!!...I'd be proud to have 'em in mine...can I give you my shipping address?...lol...w/the new boxes and those bolsters, yer gonna have a pretty nice lookin' V there!!...and yes the rain is moving off...

 

[SkunkBoat]

Done..for now.

mounted the bolsters, looks great.

Now to see who is the first one to bury a treble hook in them...

Also, someone mentioned my splash well in the fishing forum. I covered the front half with starboard and a piece of angle aluminum for reinforcement. (Strong enough to hold my 200 lbs) Cooler tie downs and a homemade starboard cutting board mounted to the cooler. With the cooler off, the Suzuki can raise all the way.

Also made new deck lids for inside the cuddy and added a hawse pipe to pass the anchor line through to the cuddy

Still have a bunch of starboard left for more projects.

 

[garbubba]

Nice project! I agree those rod holders stink as rod holders but, where to you put your gaff, your stern light, & boat hook?

Doug

 

[garbubba]

Nice project! I agree those rod holders stink as rod holders but, where to you put your gaff, your stern light, & boat hook?

Doug

PS I lucked out & had a friend who's a retired upholsterer do my bolsters, yours looks every bit as well done.

 

[reelapeelin]

All these boats of ours take on their own...or their owner's character...and are all just as unique...great work, Skunk!!...bolsters and boxes and all...she looks GREAT!!...and she's one of a kind...

 

[SkunkBoat]

Nice project! I agree those rod holders stink as rod holders but, where to you put your gaff, your stern light, & boat hook?

Gaff & brush inside the gunnel on one side, life jackets in the other.

Stern light on top of the hard top...