15' GLS - aft "deck" over gas tanks and battery

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  15' GLS - aft "deck" over gas tanks and battery

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Author Topic:   15' GLS - aft "deck" over gas tanks and battery

Buckda posted 11-25-2002 02:39 PM ET (US)
Hi all....itching for a winter project and came up with an idea for a possible modification to my 1989 15'Sport GLS.
I'd like to "develop" some sort of platform that will cover the aft portion of the boat. It should be sturdy enough to stand on (or stow gear on) but not be atrocious looking. I was thinking of developing something out of starboard (or perhaps wood) over a solid wood framework...with hatches for access to VRO tank, battery and both fuel tanks. I'm at the very early stages of this "hatched plan" and would like your feedback.
First, let me say that I use this boat for a multitude of purposes...I go camping in it, ski from it and fish off of it. It also pulls duty as a general touring boat and makes day runs (generally less than 30 miles).
The way I see it, there would be several benefits:
1) The platform would provide a backing for a seatback on the aft thwart seat for greater comfort while operating the boat.
2) If it could be done right, it would make the back look much "cleaner," i.e. no visible hoses, red fuel tanks, etc.
3) it would offer additional stowage (something that is in short supply on this little boat).
My concerns:
1) Do I have to "vent" the tanks over the side if I do this? (the compartment would be open under the seat for normal rainwater flow to the bilge, etc, so there would be some flow-through ventilation)
2)Has anyone seen a similar set up?
3)I have concerns about the static trim (boat has a 70 HP Evinrude and combined 18 gallons of fuel capacity plus battery and VRO tank) - especially concerned about it affecting the trailer rig, as it seems to be fairly stern heavy already with that big motor hanging out there.
Anything else I'm not considering?
Anyone else consider a similar set-up or seen one?
David Jenkins posted 11-25-2002 08:47 PM ET (US)
Are you planning on using a bilge pump? If not, will you be able to reach around while driving and pull the plug to drain water?
JohnAz posted 11-25-2002 09:48 PM ET (US)
and if yuou enclose the fuel tanks you will require a fire extinguisher
Buckda posted 11-26-2002 09:13 AM ET (US)
Fire extinguisher is required by law in Illinois anyway, so I already have one on-board.
As for the plug, the (envisioned) enclosure would have hinged hatches on it so that I could have easy access to put fuel in, and manage the bilge while underway....I had no plans to add a bilge pump.
lonestarpa posted 11-26-2002 01:12 PM ET (US)
Buckda..... done it, 5 years ago would recommend it to anyone. from about three inches from the back of the rear seat, board(striped mahogany) comes up at an angle joins into another board that rests on the top of the sideboards. there is a center board to the aft crossboard, there are two carpeted hatches hinged to the centerboard. I carry two six gallon tanks that are a "close" fit and have to be tilted in be put in. I don't know about an 18 gal. Gave a 60hp. mariner. front under seat is open makes forced ventilation when underway, cutouts in hatches for hoses provide exhaust ports. This unit can be lifted off with the removal of about 8 screws. My sideboards are not stock, but I'm sure it could be built to stock sideboards. Weight is no problem.
Buckda posted 11-26-2002 03:33 PM ET (US)
Lonestarpa -
Thanks for the reply. Do you have photos of how this turned out? I want it to look close to stock, and don't mind if the whole thing is removable (this should assist with clean-up at the end of the season). Would prefer not to drill any holes in the hull - just have this as a "drop in" fitted insert if possible. Would yours have worked this way?
lonestarpa posted 11-27-2002 02:52 PM ET (US)
Buckda, Have wait untill 12-3-02 have some "poor" picks while under construction, maybe even a sketch with dimentions.(hazard of being a shop teacher), best sent at this time by snail mail unless I can hook up with a scanner.
Bill C posted 11-27-2002 07:32 PM ET (US)
Buckda,
I have a 15 SS Limited (check out the pictures in the reference section) with the factory installed deck (check out the photos in the reference section) which is very handy. There is a gap around the deck so venting is not necessary. Am running a VRO 70 Johnson with one twelve gallon tank and two batteries. If I am going any distance I carry a six gallon as a spare and change tanks at the engine rather than changing the fuel line at the tank. I use the deck when fishing and water does come in through the motor well drains when I am back there. You would take on water too if I (240#)stood in your stern :). Despite this weight trim is not a problem and the boat still goes like a raped ape. With the deck in a down position and the motor tilted all the way up the deck cannot be opened so acts as theft deterrent for the tank and batteries. Were I more ambitious would consider moving the batteries under the consoles and install a 17 gal. like MudPuppy did. Good luck.

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Author	Topic: 15' GLS - aft "deck" over gas tanks and battery
Buckda	posted 11-25-2002 02:39 PM ET (US) Hi all....itching for a winter project and came up with an idea for a possible modification to my 1989 15'Sport GLS. I'd like to "develop" some sort of platform that will cover the aft portion of the boat. It should be sturdy enough to stand on (or stow gear on) but not be atrocious looking. I was thinking of developing something out of starboard (or perhaps wood) over a solid wood framework...with hatches for access to VRO tank, battery and both fuel tanks. I'm at the very early stages of this "hatched plan" and would like your feedback. First, let me say that I use this boat for a multitude of purposes...I go camping in it, ski from it and fish off of it. It also pulls duty as a general touring boat and makes day runs (generally less than 30 miles). The way I see it, there would be several benefits: 1) The platform would provide a backing for a seatback on the aft thwart seat for greater comfort while operating the boat. 2) If it could be done right, it would make the back look much "cleaner," i.e. no visible hoses, red fuel tanks, etc. 3) it would offer additional stowage (something that is in short supply on this little boat). My concerns: 1) Do I have to "vent" the tanks over the side if I do this? (the compartment would be open under the seat for normal rainwater flow to the bilge, etc, so there would be some flow-through ventilation) 2)Has anyone seen a similar set up? 3)I have concerns about the static trim (boat has a 70 HP Evinrude and combined 18 gallons of fuel capacity plus battery and VRO tank) - especially concerned about it affecting the trailer rig, as it seems to be fairly stern heavy already with that big motor hanging out there. Anything else I'm not considering? Anyone else consider a similar set-up or seen one?
David Jenkins	posted 11-25-2002 08:47 PM ET (US) Are you planning on using a bilge pump? If not, will you be able to reach around while driving and pull the plug to drain water?
JohnAz	posted 11-25-2002 09:48 PM ET (US) and if yuou enclose the fuel tanks you will require a fire extinguisher
Buckda	posted 11-26-2002 09:13 AM ET (US) Fire extinguisher is required by law in Illinois anyway, so I already have one on-board. As for the plug, the (envisioned) enclosure would have hinged hatches on it so that I could have easy access to put fuel in, and manage the bilge while underway....I had no plans to add a bilge pump.
lonestarpa	posted 11-26-2002 01:12 PM ET (US) Buckda..... done it, 5 years ago would recommend it to anyone. from about three inches from the back of the rear seat, board(striped mahogany) comes up at an angle joins into another board that rests on the top of the sideboards. there is a center board to the aft crossboard, there are two carpeted hatches hinged to the centerboard. I carry two six gallon tanks that are a "close" fit and have to be tilted in be put in. I don't know about an 18 gal. Gave a 60hp. mariner. front under seat is open makes forced ventilation when underway, cutouts in hatches for hoses provide exhaust ports. This unit can be lifted off with the removal of about 8 screws. My sideboards are not stock, but I'm sure it could be built to stock sideboards. Weight is no problem.
Buckda	posted 11-26-2002 03:33 PM ET (US) Lonestarpa - Thanks for the reply. Do you have photos of how this turned out? I want it to look close to stock, and don't mind if the whole thing is removable (this should assist with clean-up at the end of the season). Would prefer not to drill any holes in the hull - just have this as a "drop in" fitted insert if possible. Would yours have worked this way?
lonestarpa	posted 11-27-2002 02:52 PM ET (US) Buckda, Have wait untill 12-3-02 have some "poor" picks while under construction, maybe even a sketch with dimentions.(hazard of being a shop teacher), best sent at this time by snail mail unless I can hook up with a scanner.
Bill C	posted 11-27-2002 07:32 PM ET (US) Buckda, I have a 15 SS Limited (check out the pictures in the reference section) with the factory installed deck (check out the photos in the reference section) which is very handy. There is a gap around the deck so venting is not necessary. Am running a VRO 70 Johnson with one twelve gallon tank and two batteries. If I am going any distance I carry a six gallon as a spare and change tanks at the engine rather than changing the fuel line at the tank. I use the deck when fishing and water does come in through the motor well drains when I am back there. You would take on water too if I (240#)stood in your stern :). Despite this weight trim is not a problem and the boat still goes like a raped ape. With the deck in a down position and the motor tilted all the way up the deck cannot be opened so acts as theft deterrent for the tank and batteries. Were I more ambitious would consider moving the batteries under the consoles and install a 17 gal. like MudPuppy did. Good luck.