my new deck extension...not a resto but learned everything from this forum

[jesse1378]

so i have a small bass boat so my space is limited. i have a 24 volt trolling motor and no place for the batteries. when i first got the boat they were in a grey rubbermade tote right behind the front deck...that wasnt safe at all. the deck is too small to begin with and you couldn't step on the top of the tote AND it was about 3" higher than the deck all the way around not safe.

i desided to build a deck extension. the first attempt was a rushed jb that did work, was very solid....but not stable or well built. you could stand two people on it but if you stepped toward the back it would flip lol...im not posting pics of that it was a sad time in my craftmanship.

on to the new one. well i started off by counter-sinking the batteries into the bottom of the boat by 2 inches. i build "trays" to hold the batteries.

the material....galvanized something lol bought the roll for 2 bucks at a yard sale...


then i made and formed the tray...no i dont have tools for this so i used some spare wood with sharp edges and a hammer. under the tabs are flaps
that are jb welded so it doesnt fall apart.

next was to put them into the floor and fiberglass them in.

the material isnt fiberglass its speaker grill material. it soaks up resin like a sponge and is super strong when dried.
then i put down new carpet and put some brass trim around the edges.

for the new extension i used cabinet grade plywood 15/32". this is the frame and test fit for tackle storage...no i dont bring all of this at one time...but now i know i can if i wanted too LOL

i cover that and the llids in resin with actual fiberglass, and that same material. this is with the 2 "quick acess lids open

and this is all lids open

and finally with the lids closed.

i am pretty pleased with the outcome. i have alot more deck area, and ALOT more storage, and everything is pretty solid. to save with time and money i didnt use actual latches i used the pull tabs. now that this project is complete i will be recessing the foot control for the trolling motor and putting new carpet down on the front deck, after that i will redo the back deck and convert one of my livewells into a cooler and add an areator to the other. im not restoring the boat it really doesnt need it, just making it more comfprtable to fish out of. she's nt looking to bad for being 27 years old 8)

['82X-270]

That looks very good! At first I wasnt sure where you were going with it but the last couple of pictures...looks sharp, very functional.
I am going to have to do the same thing on my X-270. Love the boat but, like yours, very little deck/storage space. Although when I rebuilt the transom/rear of the boat I did make a box for the two trolling motor batteries.
The other compartments are one below casting deck up front and a small one in front of console which quickly get filled with the basic boating necessities!
Nice job!!

[jesse1378]

yeah the storage in my front deck is actually a livewell lol. then i use 1 of my 2 rear livewells as a cooler and then there is one storage area in the very back. the rod holder doesnt like anything over 6ft so i cant use that for rods. the set up of the boat is very constricted. but i think it will work now.

[Big Bass Man]

Nice work

[B.R.ONE]

That looks good, you've done a really good job.

[jesse1378]

thanks guys. if it ever stops raining i will run the wires and strap down the batteries.

[JeffA]

[ASD]

[jesse1378]

well i shoudl be doing the wires and straps this weekend. and i believe im going to put a frame on the undersides of the lids for some extra support...but that will serve a double purpose as i will tun that into bait hangers :D

[ezmuny13]

[omcforever]