Today I installed the deck plate on the centre seat. This covers the in-seat storage compartment.





Today I installed the deck plate on the centre seat. This covers the in-seat storage compartment.
The centre portion of the centre seat in this boat was left unfoamed so that it could serve as a permanent storage compartment for boat-safe items and boat licensing. A deck plate is both a waterproof and inexpensive way to gain access to this compartment. Today I picked up the deck plate I ordered…$20 for an 8″ opening. I centred it, traced the circumference, cut out the opening, and verathaned the raw wood. I need to let it dry. I also need hardware to fasten it down and will use a rubber gasket to seal the mounting.
Living in a remote area means that if you need a specialty item you either need to order it, or make it. In this case I decided to order a 10″ screw-in deck hatch. This will be mounted on the centre seat and allow access to a storage area through an 8″ opening: http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Beckson_Screw_Out_Deck_Plates.html. I will keep the boat’s items required by law in this compartment. It was clearly the cheapest deck plate that I found. I also ordered a couple of brass transom drain plugs ($2.00 ea.) and a dedicated boat knife – a drop point Spike by Cold Steel – very strong, very sharp, and very inexpensive.