I purrchased a 1984 Ranger 373V for $1500 with a Oil Injected 150 HP Merc.

It really does not have a lot of storage space and I would like a larger casting deck. There is no storage under the casting deck but I don't know if I should or can cut into it to make storage. In front of the drivers console there is room to extend the casting deck but on the passengers side there is a bench seat (see picture attached). This would make it difficult to add once piece of marine plywood and extend the casting deck.

How would you customize it and what would you use? Anyone ever customize this type of deck or boat for storage?

I have attached a picture of a boat exactly like it

Thanks all for your ideas and guidance

There are two guys in our club that have similar boats.  One built a storage compartment on the right and center, and left the bench.

I am having the same problem, just bought an 85 ranger 340v and want to add that extended casting deck, dont have the seat on the left side like you do but instead a rod locker

I bet you could make that bench seat into a rod locker. That would be my first project. I'd then deck the rest.

Get rid of that padded lounge seat and start from scratch. You'll be able to cut under that front deck if you wanted to add a insert style TM pedal holder, you will run into a lot of foam though.

Lots of potential there. Here's a shot of my Champion, it too had lounge seats in front of both consoles. Those loungers actually cause the overall depth of the storage areas they cover to be shallower in order for the top of the seats to be flush with other deck areas.

Before shot with all old lids off and front deck carpet stripped:

After

very nice cart7t

MAN cart7t, i wish i had those skills! VERY NICE

Thanks.  It's not really as hard to do as the finished product looks.