Bow Fishing Deck/Box(s) issue, 04' 190 bay.

[nocturn]

It appears that the part of the deck that separates the 2 fish boxes (and has the bow chair bracket) is starting to sag forward and towards the left. The left deck box lid is about 1" below the right side deck box lid.

While it rains, all the water pools in this low area and floods the fish box.

It seems soft or is missing reinforcement somehow.

Also, Has anyone come up with a better seal for the bow fish boxes? Every time it rains or when taking surf over the bow, the boxes fill with water. So much that the water starts to spill out of the drainage channels.

At this point, I have no dry storage. I put everything in 5 gallon buckets with a Gamma Seal.

Thanks.

[ReelDive]

What kind of seas do you go out in???????

[MolarBoater]

Nocturn, I ran into the same issue in 3+ seas over the bow. Use some stainless staples and put down a seal with a lip on it. I also used Rule but it didn't hold the weatherstrip. You will have to loosen up the latch a little but it will help alot. HomeDepot or Lowes will have the white weatherstripping.
Molar

[nocturn]

Reel Dive,
Ive had her is 4' seas....but just for a minute.
3' head is about my max.

Most of the water comes from rain. I keep the boat on my dock for about 9 months of the year.


Molar, Where do you staple the wx strip to? The box or the lid?

[MolarBoater]

Stapled the strip to the rim of the box and had to loosen the handle a couple turns. Has worked well but make sure you use stainless.

[mudd-mann]

Don't fight the lids or drain holes. You can get a raised false bottom from the factory for the 190s that lifts your stuff out of the water. It gives you a flat raised bottom that is easier to store stuff. I removed the drain plugs completely and dropped the bottoms in place. Now my stuff stays up out of the water and drains out completely each time I put it on the trailer. I don't think you can seal the lids to create a dry situation. The water will come and go without you thinking about it anymore. I can take a picture if you need one. good luck. Don

[ReelDive]

OK now I think I know what we're talking about-- us old guys can be a bit slow--
I replaced the plastic hose washers that fit on the drain plugs with real rubber. that solved part of the problem. then I use a cut down milk crate in the port side bow box when I need extra dry storage. Starboard side is my anchor locker.
For the most part I just keep my dry bag under the console.

Hey I'm diver-- it's a boat things are gonna get wet!

[MolarBoater]

My bow storage hatches are dry, just depends if you want to make them that way. @$20

Without adding weatherstripping, I was using the port side box as a brine ice box.....but with that much weight in the bow it just kept the bow too low in the water. I added an 150QT Marine Igloo that sits on top of the trolling battery compartment. Big enough for fish, frozen bait, trash, etc and easy to get in and out.

[nocturn]

I did basically the same thing Molar with a cooler. I put a 72 quart Igloo on the battery box and strap it down using 2" ballistic nylon straps and the old rod holder brackets as cleats. Works well in the chop.

I just need a little dry storage to stow my ditch bag while underway.

I use the cooler seat as my PFD storage and the aft starboard locker for tools and such. Everything is in 5 gal buckets with gamma seals.

One thing I did do is Ruled the drains in the bow boxes. I know this keeps the water from draining but, like I mentioned, this boat is wet 9 months of the year and may not get used for weeks at a time. Between the trolling motor, 2 batteries, and anchor/chain/line, this keeps the drain about 2 inches into the water. I just need to watertight the hatch doors to keep water from entering from above now...ie rain.


One other question, Is the console open to the bilge???

No matter what I do, I get serious amounts of condensation in the console. So much so I worry about my Black Box FF. Ive also had to replace the stereo because of corrosion.

I really wish this boat was a little more watertight out of the gate.

[MolarBoater]

Console interior sits on top of the gas tank which sits in the hull space which drains to the bilge. I have had mildew during winter storage outside so I cover the boat now and open the hatch door.

You can use swim noodle material to seal off the back area and sides and sure you could cut and seal starboard or cutting boards to seal the bottom. You can use kitty litter in a pan or maybe use a solar powered vent fan which can be found at WestMarine or other sailboat parts suppliers.

Only buy waterproof electronics, center consoles are gonna get wet, inside and out. Best places for dry things seem to be the glove box, electronics box, T-bags, ice chests, sealed dry bags and your bucket, haha.