23' Sceptre: Storage area in front of fuel tank

[Serenity]

I have a '78 o/b model and want to know how the area under the hinged stge area is contructed. Is there a false bottom under the inner shell? Does the center stringer go all the way into the front cabin area? Was thinking of building an insulated fish box that would drain through hull and also have area in front of that also drain down using garbard drain fittings. Any info or advice would be welcome.

[Lars Koster]

I have 76' Sceptre and took the tank out a few years ago for inspection. The well you refer to does have a false bottom and sides. The keel runs the length of the boat but I don't think it is laminated to the bottom other than a support in the middle. Not quite sure how you would drain overboard if the bottom of the well is below the water line. I currently use a 150 qt. igloo up against the splash well but when it's full of fish and several people in the back of the boat it squats down. For this reason I had also thought of utilizing the center well as a fish box.
I did have some custom leaning posts/ seats built for the helm, they sit up very high and the back rest flips either way. They were well worth the money, now I can sit up and see over the windshield in comfort, especially after a long day offshore.

[Serenity]

Lars, thanks for the info. I would be draining fishbox at home when I'm on my trailer. I don't leave my boat in the water and I just don't like water, blood in the bilge area. The livewell that was built in the engine well was just removed and there was a lot of junk that was caught under inner liner and hull near transom drain...one more reason to keep bilge area clear. Planning to keep livewell space clear and just replace cover and seal with 4200 or 5200 after engines installed.