Deck storage

[patrick16]

Why are there no hatches in the floor/deck of Grady boats? Can they be added?

 

[SeanC]

All hatches, insulated ice boxes are above the waterline so they can drain directly overboard instead of into the bilge where the water needd to be pumped out. No fishy smelling bilge and keeps it dry.

 

[Fishtales]

Can be added buy as stated you would need to make them waterproof from the deck and either drain into bilge (not recommended) or come up with a way to evacuate via pump. For the latter, I'd investigate connecting to an existing line that drains overboard.

 

[seasick]

Can be added buy as stated you would need to make them waterproof from the deck and either drain into bilge (not recommended) or come up with a way to evacuate via pump. For the latter, I'd investigate connecting to an existing line that drains overboard.

I am not a fan of sharing discharge ports. A check valve should be added to both drain hoses to prevent back flow. Even then, the check valve will be prone to getting stuck open due to the crud that is often found in below deck storage lockers. Many below deck box designs use a macerator pump for that reason, to reduce clogging.

 

[Fishtales]

Not optimal but works if you can't or don't want to put another thru hull in the boat. Check valve on both lines is a requirement.

 

[Recoil Rob]

I put a hatch in the rear of my 180. I did it so I could gain access to mount an in-hull transducer. Not much room down there for much else with all the foam...