Rear platforms

Under the cockpit are two platforms that serve as storage area and sleep platforms. Since they are also form-filled, one would also deduce that they act as insurance against the “ah-sh*t” moments.
Here you can see the SB platform. The foam has expanded at some point. That, and the wood incasing it is mostly rotten.



They have to go. I started on the SB side, first taking out that little extension that butted up against the cabinet. Here I’ve cut the cabinet’s rotten lower quarter off and take out that extension. I’ve alos ripped the gelcoated wood from the frame. That job sucked. I have to use a grinder to cut the entire 6 ft. Once against the hull, the sencond run at the base of the vertical board. Nothing like sucking epoxy dust. The mask I wore did not help much. If you are considering this, buy a NICE face mask. I'm sure I up'd my chances at cancer a smal percentage.





Here is with foam stripped, boards out.






Picture of the vertical board in place. Check and re-check everything. This board had to be madeby eyesight plus a little measurments. There is little room to work in there, so I was not keen on rooting around in there with a tapemeasure.





Fabricated some lateral ribs. Note that I put two in vs. the original single ½” plywood.. I figured out the trailer was pushing up at that exact point, causing a bulge. The vertical board is temporary and holds the hull in place while I epoxy the new supports in place.

Here is a before of the Port side.



And a pic of the new port supports in place, mostly epoxied. Why three? I had a spare piece of wood. I may up the ante on the SB side. When I put boat back on its trailer, I’ll know if I was right, or if it was overkill.



Did I mention I'm using treated wood? I've covered it in epoxy, just in case. Someone is going to correct me at some point, but since this is a self-learn project, aka no parental oversight, the means may be questioned.

If you are planning to do this, make sure you plan on buying A LOT of epoxy and fiberglass sheeting. With just these two places done, I've already gone through 1 1/2 gallons of epoxy. Oh, and don't bother buying the colorizing agent. Buddy of my said to just use some paint. I'll test that threory shortly.