Ok, I THINK I know what I want to do with the skiff. I'm still waiting to find out how much structural integrity the storage boxes have, but hopefully little or none. If they are a structural element, I'll probably put some aluminum ribs across the deck and up the gunnel, and then either recess them into the gunnels, or fiberglass over em or just paint over em. Hopefully I won't need to worry about it, if the boxes aren't a key element. Ed suggested that I think of something different to maximize fishing space. That was a tough one, but I think I came up with something. We'll be fishing plastic (or bounce ball) most of the time so bait is not much of a concern, BUT I do want to have a bait tank to fish live squid, and flyline dines at naples, and that kind of stuff. So, my original thought was to have a removable bait tank. That means that it'd probably have to go in front of the center console, and be attached to the deck somehow. Maybe one of them trash can lookin ones cause they've got a base you can install on the deck that they twist onto. But, if I did that the base would be on the deck and in the way for 90% of the trips that we don't fish bait. Also, I don't know how stable that would be, and in a flat bottom boat, that's another issue. The center of gravity is also higher than I want it to be in that style of bait tank. So, a solution I can think of is to put a permanent bait tank, underneath the console. It will stick out the front of the console a few inches, maybe a foot or so, and be flush with the back so that my legs aren't hitting it when I'm driving the boat. There'll be a gap between the back wall of the console and top of the bait tank so we can reach in and get bait, and the front will probably get glassed to the console and the deck for added stability and stuff. It will also be bolted to the deck. This way I can get a low profile bait tank with a low center of gravity, plus it ain't gonna move (another problem with putting a tank with a high CG under the console is that if it decides to tip over, it'll take out the console), and it's out of the way while creating an extra seat/tackle box storage area on top of it, in front of the console. So, it would take up more space than a removable tank, but it would also be safer and less sketchy (we want to minimize the sketchy factor). Another plus is that for the 90% that we don't use bait, it can be used for storage. So, all the weight of the console and the bait tank will be in the middle of the boat, right where it should be, instead of juggling around a console and a bait tank to get em as close to the middle as possible. This way it kills like 5 birds with 1 stone. (weight placement, space, storage, safety, seating, hey that was 5, pretty good guess...)
-Brian

Right on Brian, sounds like a good solution. 5 birds is the kinda solution that lets you know you've got. Just watch how you house your electrical stuff. You might think of having the tank access from the sides. Reason being, you have a good chance at getting your legs wet if the opening is between your legs as you drive. Are you going to build the tank yourself? Overall sounds like all you need to do is build it.

Amish Ed

Have you talked to Danny since my email? My brother and I will probably do back to back overnighters (fri and sat if they don't run on Easter) on the Voyager if they are running and the trip gets cancelled. You're welcome to join us, if this is what we have to do. A 2 day leaving thurs night would also work. Let me know what's up if you hear anything.

Still waiting to hear from Danny. I guess he's been uh, kinda busy since he's like getting evicted, kicked off welfare and fired at the same time.
Side access panels are a REALLY good idea. I'll also probably install some kind of splash guard on the opening to avoid the splashing issue. Maybe like a little curtain or sliding panel or something. As for the actual tank- if I do get a real one, I'll probably get a blem from kodiak for half price. I emailed Randall (Xlobsterman) on allcoast about building one, because I know he's built a couple. I could probably fashion an aluminum one fairly easily. The main concern is that it's strong enough to sit on if I decide to make that front portion a seat. We'll see. Still battin around ideas, but I think I may be on to something here...
-Brian

You might find that a fore and aft baitwell access might work better. If you used heavy enough plexiglass for the lids you'd still be able to sit on it. Also with 2 clear lids you'd eliminate the bait panic associated with the sudden on/off of light when someone sits down. Also a buddy painted the inside of his a medium greenish-blue (like good sea water) and he says the baits don't freak as much as in a white tank. It won't take up any more space and will make it easier for 2 to fish without it being a nuisance. Just my 2 cents.

Tight lines,
Wade

Tight lines,
Wade

I think I've got it figured out. I'm going to have the fore and aft access hatches like you said, one underneath the seat, and one in the back of the console. They will both be watertight, which can be pretty easily accomplished with weather stripping. I'll also have a side access panel in case the plumbing explodes. The aft access hatch will be the main one in use, because it'll be easier to get bait, rather than having to lift up the seat. But, when the tank is not in use, it can double as a fish hold, and the seat access will provide a larger opening to stuff fish into. It's all comin together...
-Brian

If you get a Kodiak or Pacific Edge poly tank, they have quick release brackets that mount to your deck. When the tank is removed, the are only 1/4 inch high and 1 x 2 inches around. Very secure too. You do not want a full tank to let go in your boat.