Building a new insulated fish hold insert

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by FV Genesis, Jul 15, 2018.

  1. FV Genesis
    Joined: Jul 2018
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Sf bay area

    FV Genesis New Member

    5CFB6BE7-EAA1-40B7-A1F2-87865EC63457.jpeg 255CEA3C-E7B6-455B-8FC6-CCAD71440733.jpeg 0918C701-F367-4443-B623-2454BF23DD64.jpeg hi everyone,

    I have a 36’ commercial crabber troller in SF bay CA. Right now it has a fiberglass insulated insert, which is good but it is too small, and the area below deck is far under utilized. I want to build something double the size, and I want it to have a top half that I can screw/bolt/sealant down to make the insert taller, or remove to make the insert relatively flush with the deck. It needs to be insulated so it can retain cold refrigerated water and/or slush ice. I’ll need to cut the deck back toward the stern because along with making the insert a bit wider than the original, I want to make it longer toward the back of the boat. Ideally I want a 3000# fish hold capacity, and as it sits now it’s probably 1300# capacity which isn’t adequate.

    My skills as far as glass goes aren’t a bunch, I’ve built small boxes with west system products, fixed small jobs on decks and thru hull scuppers, so never anything on this large of magnitude, I’ll likely hire someone to spearhead the project and hopefully I can follow along and help and learn. It’s going to be a long process that probably won’t start soon but i’ll Update as it goes!
     
  2. JamesG123
    Joined: Mar 2015
    Posts: 654
    Likes: 76, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Columbus, GA

    JamesG123 Senior Member

    There isn't someone who fabricates these on a regular basis? Or you just want to DIY?

    You'll definitely want to hire someone, preferably a designer (marine architect or at least a engineer who knows what maths to do) and not just a fiberglass guy. There is probably a good reason why the boat seems under utilized. Systems access, CG (water n fish have a LOT of momentum when they are sloshing around), etc.
     
  3. FV Genesis
    Joined: Jul 2018
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Sf bay area

    FV Genesis New Member


    I think you’re right, it’s not something I can tackle myself, the center hold is the width of the boat (13’) and the length of it is 9’ and probably about 5’ high.

    Many boats like mine build that entire area in to a hold but that is going to be a really costly project, probably 20-30k I would estimate. I think I can get away with another insert that’s roughly double the size for around $5k.

    But you’re right, this isn’t beginner filling screw holes sort of job. I will have to hire someone and I’d like to learn along the way. The glass projects on here are very inspiring!
     
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