Cooler chocks

[Flatline]

Hello. Im new, but my seacraft is not. Its a 1978 18ft thats been completly redone by the original owner before me. My problem is that in front of my console there were cooler chocks to keep the cooler from bouncing around. Well I run my seacraft rough and have since pulled out the chocks from the deck. They were just screwed in. Any ideas on how to re-do them so that they hold. Also has anyone seen an 18 footer with a coffin box in front of the console?

[Standing Room Only]

Short of putting an access plate, you will have to screw in any replacement. Because your old chocks pulled out, I'm going to guess you may have some rot in the wood. Drill out and replace with Microfiber/Epoxy, and use a deep screw. The deck in my 18' is at least 3/4" with wood and glass top and bottom -- it holds my T-Top and console with no working/bending of the deck. Be sure to set the screws in polysulfide or 4200. Don't use silicone -- it will shrink and cause leaks as it ages. Also make sure it wasn't just screwed into the gas tank hatch -- if so, don't drill/screw into any hoses [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] .

Be careful with a coffin box -- I got a smaller center console when I redid mine and would have loved to add a coffin box...but, it put my console too far to the stern. The 18' has a problem with weight in the stern and with a 150 HPDI, didn't want to add anymore (moved batteries to center console, console forward 18"). With a coffin...be careful. The console I have doesn't have a front seat, and now I have good room in front of the console and good room behind. I gave up some storage, but gained it back in otherways (under gunnel, rear boxes, etc.).

[Flatline]

Thanks STANDING ROOM ONLY. Yours sounds exactly like mine. Your right the chocks were drilled through the top plate that covers the gas tank. Have to be real careful. There is no seat in front of my console either. I dont think there is rot in the top plate. I just beat the boat to death and also any passengers.