Thread: '87 Skeeter Strada F120 Rehabilitation

On the rod locker lid - The hinge was mounted on the inside of the lid, and the top of the locker, the lid opened to the inside of the boat. With the way i have the deck extension, this will not work. I see a couple options -
1. Hinge the front, narrow part, open the lid from the rear. This seems like it would be alot of weight, on a small piece of hinge.
2. Attach a hinge to the gunnel, and the lid. Two problems, the gunnel is pretty tall, the gunnel side of the lid has a curve to it.
3. Similar to option 1, except cut the lid in half. Mount the front half, hinge it in the middle. Thus, reducing weight\stress on the hinge.
4. Mount the hinge on the inside, figure out how to mount the hinge so it lifts up while opening, clearing the deck extension.
5. ? ? ? Another idea ? ? ?

Whatever i do, gas struts will be used. Both to help lift, and hold the lids open. The lid is aluminum.

Redge, here's a teaser



Took it for a leak test, so far so good. Those gatorback bunk covers are SLICK! I pushed the boat off the trailer, still attached to the winch, cranked it back up with no effort.

Cray, thanks for fixing previous picture.

Works been crazy lately, haven't made much progress. Thanks all, for the compliments!

Originally Posted by skunked again

On the rod locker lid - The hinge was mounted on the inside of the lid, and the top of the locker, the lid opened to the inside of the boat. With the way i have the deck extension, this will not work. I see a couple options -
1. Hinge the front, narrow part, open the lid from the rear. This seems like it would be alot of weight, on a small piece of hinge.
2. Attach a hinge to the gunnel, and the lid. Two problems, the gunnel is pretty tall, the gunnel side of the lid has a curve to it.
3. Similar to option 1, except cut the lid in half. Mount the front half, hinge it in the middle. Thus, reducing weight\stress on the hinge.
4. Mount the hinge on the inside, figure out how to mount the hinge so it lifts up while opening, clearing the deck extension.
5. ? ? ? Another idea ? ? ?

Whatever i do, gas struts will be used. Both to help lift, and hold the lids open. The lid is aluminum.

Picture?

tlefire - thank you for asking for a picture, it just helped to answer one of the questions! I set the rod locker lid on for a picture, was going to take one with the lid open, to the inside. The passenger seat is to close. I could move the seat over some, however, I think it's already over quite a bit.
Sssssoooooo - it looks like the lid will need to hinge from the front. Thank you!!!!






Posting pictures - What am I doing, that they posted sideways? I took them in portrait (phone up and down).

The restoration project looks to be coming along very well indeed. I know it's been lots of slow and hard work... but it's all taking great shape... as she is lookin' awesome!!!
You are investing in something that's going to give you many years of pleasure and lots of good conversations about the experience. WTG Brother!!!

SpecialK - Thank you! I'm getting anxious and nervous, at the same time. It's almost bittersweet, being this close. Now, I'm nervous about how well it'll hold up.

Glad I could be of help.

That looks like a lot of weight on both the hinge and fiberglass if you hinge it from the front. Plus, you'll have to raise the rear 3 or 4 foot to get to your rods.

How much length do you have that is straight on the rear closest to the gunnel. 2 or 3 feet there would be better place to hinge it in my opinion, which don't amount to much.

Been following, and you've done an excellent job.

Thank you, and your opinion matters more than you realize !
Without measuring, I'm guessing the lid is 4' long, and approximately 6" wide, at the widest point (the middle).
Are you suggesting to hinge the lid against the gunnel ? Cut the lid in half, secure the front half - hinge the back half? That's a possibility.
With any luck, I'm going to mock up some scrap wood this weekend, try that way, and by cutting the lid in half, securing the front half - hinge it at the midway point, that way, only half the lid is on the short hinge. See how it is to get rods in and out.