Adding in deck storage???

[Capt Chuck]

Originally Posted by CHANCE1234

good point Capt Chuck. do you think my idea of adding bulkheads (by slipping them in vertically) would work or am I somehow compromising structural integrity somewhere? Thank you.

No problem. Just tab in some PVC board.
Don't forget a limber in the forward & back corners.
Also, if debris by some chance gets in the steps ahead of the bulkheads you might have a problem getting it out. So I would keep them only a few inches tall so you can reach over them.

[JohnC]

I have my deck off and I considered doing a forward locker too. I have almost talked myself out of it at this point.
1) I ran the numbers as well as I could and if I fill the space under the deck with buoyancy foam I get close to enough flotation to float the weight of the boat. I have a large enough aft bilge and 55 Gallon fuel tank and that's it under the deck. I expect to add around 30 cf of 2lb foam and another 12 cf of 4lb foam in the box stringers. That's almost 2500lbs of flotation. If it works out like that when I actually do the work I feel good about the flotation in most any situation.
2) I like the idea of a large single piece of cored forward deck for strength. I will have a large bilge hatch and a gas tank hatch. If I add a forward locker I am effectively splitting the entire deck bow to stern with very little deck left to connect the port and starboard sides. I am removing the casting deck and with it a lot of the structural support at the bow. If you are keeping yours then maybe my logic doesn't apply to you - I just like a more monolithic deck.
3) After seeing Shine build a coffin box I am considering making something similar. That way my forward storage can be big enough for dive tanks & gear and also be high enough to drain onto the deck instead of into the bilge. I would also make that lockable for traveling with dive gear. I just wish I had enough room to lock up fishing gear! I haven't figured that one out yet.