Cockpit Locker Modifications

[Merlin Clark]

My 1967 Morgan 24 has cavernous cockpit lockers and I have no idea if they started life this way or a prior owner took out whatever was there originally. When you open the hatches there is just a big, gaping space. Like trying to store things in an upright 55 gallon drum.
The owner before me had installed an 18 gallon tank under the cockpit sole which served to keep things from sliding all the way to the bottom of this void but I've taken it out. I use maybe a gallon of gas per month with my 4 stroke, 6hp tohatsu and prefer new over old gas.
My request is for advice on what was original or what others have done to make the space in these lockers useable.
Thanks,

 

[gpwil3847]

Mine is the same way Merlin - I had to laugh! I have crawled around down there while working on the centerboard cable pulley system. My Idea is some kind of a strong lightweight grating to keep stuff from falling where it might get wet. There are hooks on the forward side of the locker hatches, I figure good place to hang lines, Wench handle pouches, my type IV throwable device, a raft, PFD's Sails, etc - I may use small hammocks, but If I ever decide to circumnavigate in a 44 year old 24' sailboat I know where to store extra stuff! Heck It might make an extra berth for someone you're not particularly fond of, and if you don't care to talk to them you can simply lock the hasps. George

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Most boats with this sort of situation have removable plywood separator panels that go from the hull to the cockpit sides inside the locker. They are made removable so if you had to get under the cockpit floor, you can pull them out and gain access. These will keep items from falling out of reach under the cockpit. It also might make sense to build some shelving for under the deck and up higher where you can stow stuff. These can be made of plywood also and painted up nice the same color used in this area and glassed to the hull (but don't glass over paint).

 

[Merlin Clark]

Bill,
I think the removeable bulkheads and shelves are in my future along with milk crates for lines and those big tupperwear for things that need more protection.

George,
I used Dry Deck to line the inside of the hull where I installed a Vetus potable water bag in my old Gulfstar. Just wanted to ensure that I had ventilation between the tank/bag and the hull. Neat stuff but not cheap which works out a lot better for small boats 'cause we can buy a little bit of too expensive materials and not hurt too bad.
I like that I could repower this boat for what a tranny rebuild cost for my last one!