Building splashwells for 20 Master Angler

[FishStretcher]

so I think I want to put a ~6" wide cushion around the edge. Like what is on the inner cap edge/ gunwale on some 23 footers I have seen. So now that toes can be under the bump out, it will be possible to bang kneecaps into the top, so a cushioned pad should be there. Is there a trick to this, or just go to any upholstery shop? One with a nice SeaCraft logo would be just the thing.

[FishStretcher]

I have cut up a lot of MDF. The bump out looks huge, but it is only 7.5" deep so far, with 10 layers of 3/4" MDF. I think I will put the top lip facing inwards, maybe 5/8" and a coaming pad about 2" thick just under it.

The layers aren't bonded together yet, just stacked atop each other.

It is about 20" wide at the most top/forward point. A couple more layers and then I break out the 36 grit belt sander to put the giant radii in it.

[Rlbol]

Why waste the space? If you want it closed them enclose the transom and do a bracket. The splash well would take up a fair amount of fishing space, if in fact you are fishing. If you don't fish then there is no reason not to have a closed transom!

[FishStretcher]

Well, I might like a bracket, but that isn't in the upgrade schedule right now, plus this allows you to keep the center of mass in about the right spot when you are up on plane, with the resulting good handling. I think Bushwacker has a few excellent posts on the pros and cons of brackets.

It also keeps water out of the boat a lot better than the 20" cutout, and it allows me to fish better, like backing down on a fish or over a spot on the bottom.

[FishStretcher]

Made some progress, finally!

[uncleboo]

Fine work there.

[FishStretcher]

Once I pull a part or two, maybe someone would want the plug?

[Vezo, Part II]

Nice work FishStretcher! With the available toe kick, I’ve never found the splashwell intrusive while fishing. And even though I never saw the need to have it caulked tight, it saved my arse from sinking one time while WAY overloaded for an island weekend camp, and backing off the trailer directly into 3’ rollers I’ve never seen at the ramp. Fortunately, my non-boating partner paid attention and backed down in time for me to reload. It was a lot better than what was inevitable. I may be interested in a replacement for mine to lose the old power head/tilt cutout. Further, I have a full engine shroud from a SeaVee 25 that you or may not be interested in as a plug. Not sure the Snowbirds staying at my house in Fla., would strap it to the roof of their Jeep Cherokee, when returning June 1st to the Cape. Just a few random thoughts. I’d love to have the shroud as an additional seat while cruising, bait station, two additional rod holders, noise canceling of my two stroke, and if reinforced, possibly a cobia spotting platform.

Vezo, Part II

[Basketcase]

Looks like a nice plug! I bet it weights a ton! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[Vezo, Part II]

Hello, Fishstretcher. Any productivity on the splashwell? Since my 1999 OMC V-6 is marginally reaching, and base of splashwell 21 3/4” from top of transom, maybe you could build a top, just inverted? Any thoughts?

Vezo, Part II