FWD In Hull Storage 245 Osprey

[flounderpounder225]

Possible SeaBob or Capt. Bob question... I look at this caverness void directly in front of the Center Console front seat, and scratch my head a little?  I guess it supposed to be water tight, but it isn't truly.  Probably need to replace the hatch, as it is a little weathered, but the hatch is so small, you can't even reach to all areas of the void.  Does this space drain to the bilge directly?  What about increasing the size of the hatch, any structural issues?? Thanks
Marc

[seabob4]

Possible SeaBob or Capt. Bob question... I look at this caverness void directly in front of the Center Console front seat, and scratch my head a little?  I guess it supposed to be water tight, but it isn't truly.  Probably need to replace the hatch, as it is a little weathered, but the hatch is so small, you can't even reach to all areas of the void.  Does this space drain to the bilge directly?  What about increasing the size of the hatch, any structural issues?? Thanks
Marc

Marc,
We used to call that "The Haitian Hatch"...you could probably smuggle 7 Haitians in there, it was so big!  The only thing that ever lived in there was the water tank and fresh water pump.  I don't see any problem with enlarging the cutout and putting a bigger hatch in there (hopefully one that seals out water!).  The deck is bonded to the stringers on both sides, that's your structural area and enlarging that cutout won't affect those areas...

[flounderpounder225]

That's funny   your right though on the volume of that void.  Thanks for the structural info, think I will look for a good hatch, maybe make it the life vest locker and some bucket storage with odds and ends... get my weight up there some more... haha!
Marc