I've got a 1436 G3 jon boat and storage is always a issue. I'd like to cut a hole in the top of the middle bench seat, carve out some of the foam, and install a hatch similar to the one linked below. I'd like to use this for either storage or a livewell.

Has anyone done this?

Does it mess with the structural integrity of the seat?

These hatches claim to be heavy duty enough for foot traffic...It sounds like a good solution, but cutting a big hole in my boat (even the seat) makes me nervous.

Thanks,

Dan

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=817&hvarDept=200&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=4&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

I put one of those in my boat.

see here http://home.comcast.net/~team_dougherty/boat5.jpg

it is on the left under the doel-fin.

I did the same thing cut the hole, remove the foam. inserted the liner and hatch all is well. I am very happy with it. I just wish it was blue instead of white. The extra storage is helpful.

I think it will work well for you. I do not think it will affect the strength of your boat at all.

REMEMBER, MEASURE TWICE AND CUT ONCE You can make a hole bigger not smaller.

I have that hatch on my boat and I walk on it and it feels real sturdy. I'm happy with how strong it is but I use it as dry storage and it leaks when it rains.

Installed

Good luck.

TD & PF,

Thanks for the advice on this, I'm going to give it a shot. I love seeing the pics of other bass boat projects!