Gaining storage in the fuel locker

[Bernie LaScala]

The fuel locker under the helmsman's seat has a lot of potential for storage that is mostly not used for fear of getting something tangled in the pedestal steering cables. I have installed a permanent black plastic 11 gallon fuel tank in the locker, but that leaves a lot of room for other things above it. I am considering making a removable two-piece contoured shelf out of fiberglass that is shaped to cover the fuel tank, fuel sending unit, steering cables, and pulleys so that I can store a small cooler, a small extra propane bottle for my barbeque, and an extra butane cartridge for the stove. Of course, there would be plenty of ventilation holes at the bottom for air flow. The slot for the rudder would also allow ventilation. I don't want to use plywood because of the fire hazard. Has any 260 owner attempted the making of such a shelf in the fuel locker? Anyone think this is not a good idea?

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Fire hazard

Bernie, I cannot speak to the general design idea, but you if you're looking at fiberglass as a lesser fire hazard than plywood I strongly suggest you talk with some of your local firefighters. Fiberglass burns quite nicely. JIm Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[Corky]

storage

I created additional storage by doing just what you are planning. I bolted 1/2" aluminin(sp) angle peices to each side of the space inside the space. One on each side and one in front. This is above the cables. I then made a two peice plywood floor. It needs to be two peice to get it in and out. It works great. I do not worry about fire as I hope I never have one there. The fiberglass will burn s well. By being above the cables they are safe and secure. I also used a grate over the outlet to the motor to create storage in that small space. It is fastened at the botton with plastic clips and velcro at the top for safety. I keep a bucket there. The fuel hose goes through to the motor just fine. Have fun.Corky

 

[Steve Dion]

Bernie, could agree more

with Jim. Have you ever seen a fiberglass boat burn. Well I gotta tell you it is not a pretty sight. We saw one go off in Catalina harbor several years ago. It was a power boat that was being refueled. The entire super structure completely melted in probably less than 10 mins. This was with fire boats pouring large amounts of water on it. Truly a sight to behold. Nothing wrong with plywood and safe fuel handling.

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Aluminum plate and a couple of stringers

Won't burn and looks great if painted light green before final assembly. Leave rivets au natural for best "serious" look.

 

[Russ King]

epoxy the plywood

and add a layer of fiberglass cloth each side, and you will have a shelf that won't rot. Don't forget to epoxy the edges. The fiberglass will protect the wood from dings.Fiberglass (i.e., glass fiber) doesn't burn; it's the resin that burns. The glass fibers will melt, though.