I cut a hole in my boat!

[Mike and Sarah]

My dash/window fan motor had such a vibrating noise so I pulled the microwave to get at the blower. I remounted the fan with zip ties to it doesn’t transfer the vibrations to the wood tab it was originally mounted on. Now all you hear is the fan running and no loud vibration. The fan is snugged so it doesn’t move around.
While I was under the helm seat I realized there was a bunch of wasted space. (At least on my boat (NW Edition) only things under the helm seat are the webasto heater and the microwave. I talked to the Ranger guys and the told me the fiberglass structure could handle being cut. So I did lots of measuring and found an almond colored lid that would fit perfectly. I built a box with and added a shelf. I measured many times and drilled some small test holes up till I had the location down to what I needed. I used my oscillating saw to cut out my hole. Then mounted the lid trim through the fiberglass into my box flange.
I still did not use all the space available under the seat but I also wanted the box to be easily removed if there is a need to get at the heater, wiring, or fan.

Pictures are in my album
Salty Bliss

 

[CaptT]

Great idea! Where did you get the box? I'm thinking of doing the same thing.

 

[serpa4]

Pictures?

 

[Matty]

In album. Hit the camera with cursor and it will take you there.

 

[serpa4]

Cool, thanks.
Only see 3 of your pictures though.

 

[Matty]

I think you hit mine. Go back to Sarah and mikes post.

 

[Mike and Sarah]

Great idea! Where did you get the box? I'm thinking of doing the same thing.

I built the box to fit the area. The hatch is from TH Marine online.

 

[CaptT]

Thanks! That would solve a lot of storage issues.

 

[Submariner]

This is a fantastic idea!!