2003 TV-18 deck extention

[Bruce Yeaton]

Ok, checking out the 2003 TV-18 I noticed that the deck extention is an option and says to see the dealer for pricing. Does this go to say that I can purchase this for my 2000 since it's an add-on option?

Wouuld really love to have the extention/extra livewell in that area, anyone know if it would work?

 

[Mark Hofman]

I asked this question late last month.



The answer was a resounding NO.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

No? Hmmm, looks as if I'll have to bribe Bob to make it fit

 

[Marke Cicero]

Uh Oh, now the pressure is on.... I better start designing.



Craig, I'll let you know when I need you to order some carpet.



Marke

 

[Mark Hofman]

I'm thinking about making a simple "box" out of marine grade plywood. There wouldn't be a bottom panel, or if there needs to be one I'd cut an opening to go around the 3rd pedestal seat base in the floor of the boat. The lid would be hinged toward the front so that you'd at least have the capability to store gear inside. The front (bow) panel and both side panels wouldn't have carpet. The lid and hinge, and the stern panel, would have carpeting.



Since it's a box, I'd also design it so that there would be two openings big enough to slip your hand into, one on the stern end and one on the bow end. Then you could slide the box back toward the console an inch or two, grab the front and back end, and lift it out.



I'd also install a pedestal base in the lid, just in case you'd want to put a pedestal in. That would be done first, then the carpet applied over it, just like they do at the factory. Here's a picture.

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Interesting...

I had a completely different train of thought on this...

I wanted the extension to just cover the gap...not be 'permanent'...so if I was by myself, I could leave it at home...



az

 

[Mark Hofman]

I didn't want it to be permanent either. That's why the box is designed to be lifted out.



Now that I've had some time to think about the picture, a couple of things came to mind. First, by making it a true box, I could take it out of the boat and store gear that I don't need for that particular trip. The second thing is that the location of the "handles" is wrong. The stern handle needs to be lower on the panel. The way the picture shows it, all I'd accomplish would be lifting the lid.



Andy, another way to add an extention would be to install some kind of rail running just below the lid on each rod locker. Then you could just make a carpet covered deck piece that would rest on the rails. You could still throw gear up underneath the extension. The downside is that the rails would almost need to be permanent to support a person's weight. Cover a 1"x1"x3 foot rail in carpet?

 

[David Kohler]

Hey guys - while you are at it, why don't you design one for a PT 185 also. I'd buy one. Have been thinking about building one myself and what I came up with is very similar to what MO illustrated. Just need the weather to warm up at little bit before I dig into it. NO GARAGE....

 

[Scott Smith]

Sign me up for that deck extension...!!!! I've wanted more room up there since I bought my TV-18.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

What ever you guys come up with, I'm in! I prefer one with a livewell built in but won't be picky