On Deck Storage - White GRP Box - Where?

[Richard10002]

Hi,

Running out of space down below, so thinking of a white GRP box to sit on the stern, and maybe put a solar panel or a seat on top.

Any ideas what I could use an where I could get one.

Around 1m wide, 50cm deep and 60cm high would fit the space.

Had a look at these, but like the idea of rigidity for sitting on, or solar panel:

http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/ProductDe...78-635b74e0273a

Many Thanks

 

[l'escargot]

Not as big as that but how about a couple of motorcycle top boxes side by side?

 

[Richard10002]

How quick was that, (for a snail)!!

Certainly worth considering.

I'm sure we had big grp boxes on the merchant ships for lifejackets, and breathing apparatus etc., so they must be available as a standard somewhere.

 

[BrendanS]

? not white all over, but that's easily solved /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Richard10002]

MMM! Classy!! Perhaps white doesnt matter so much!

I can only find those streamlined roof boxes on the Thule site and various other sites selling this stuff.

Where did you find it?

 

[BrendanS]

http://www.skidrive.co.uk

 

[Tisme]

these?

 

[Richard10002]

That's the kind of thing... cant believe the prices, particularly for the US.

The Thule box is only £170, but is a bit wide at 1.45m

Many Thanks

 

[William_H]

Your best bet is a purpose built box especially as you can fit padding to make a seat. (as you said) You would be best advised I think to make one out of plywood. This way you can see if you like it for practicality and aesthetics and I think you will find ply easier cheaper and lighter than GRP. Have fun...... olewill

 

[Richard10002]

Not so sure that I am that good at joinery!

I can just see it collapsing, leaving a trail of diving gear, lifejackets, and fenders behind us.

Good MOB practice I suppose <g>

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Richard,

Building your own is not a big, nor complicated project, if you can push an 80mm pint roller you are half way there already.

To keep the structure light and strong I think I would use a composite, Klegecell is a good material, often used to construct fuel tanks that don't sweat.

You simply cut the sheet to size, staple or tape together and apply resin and fibreglass, you can add some micro balloons after the glass has cured and fair it as smooth as a baby's bot. apply some good coating of any colour and you have the perfect box. You can make the lid slide open, lift open in any desired direction or just lift off, your choice.

As you plan to stow wet gear inside I would make sure the bottom was sloped and a drain hole suitably located to avoid wet decks.

More information available if required.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Guest]

What about the sand-boxes that are used to store garden stuff ?

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have done what olewill said. 12mm thick marine ply and covered the outside and top with white formica. Have also mounted removable backrest.

My gas locker is very simular but stainless steel and acts as helm seat as below

 

[BAtoo]

Dehler do a removable box for some of thier racer/cruisers to fit across the transom - could look there.

 

[savageseadog]

What about a liferaft housing

 

[andy_wilson]

Yeah?

But who needs a box big enough to garage a Ford Escort across the transom?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Re: Yeah?

Sailing the Indian Ocean you need alot of safety gear as no one around to save you if you get into trouble.

Boat is 50 ft plus and steel

I once saw a canal boat when I was in the UK that had a box on the back with a Ford Escort parked inside