How to turn unused space into storage space?

May 29, 2011
17
Just Enough 290 Fort Walton Beach
I live aboard full time. This boat is well equipped with a galley, fridge/icebox, built in HVAC system, 2 batteries, a fresh water tank, water heater, head, and v-berth and aft cabin. However, one of the closets holds the hvac system, one settee in main cabin holds the fridge compressor and pump for hvac, other settee, holds the batteries, fresh water pump and water heater, and most of the rest of the storage is in small floor compartments jn the v-berth, and aft cabin. However, in rewiring sending units for the fresh water and holding tanks, we exposed lots of unused space behind the seats in the main cabin behind screwed in panels that make up the backs of the settee seats. I would like to leave the cushions as is but to add storage compartments behind them in the space between the seat back panels and the boat's hull.

Has anyone changed these panels behind the settee seats to make accessible storage compartments? If so, what materials did you use? Please provide photos please?