I am making some modifications to my Tolman 20' Standard Skiff to make
it more useful and seaworthy. I built mine without any decking inside
although I did build the two floatation compartments in front and
rear.
So, I added a forward deck in front of the center console. This deck
can be removed and moved up level with the forward V to form a
sleeping area.
Atop this I made a canvas cover held up by three flexible fiberglass
tent type poles that insert into holes in the gunnels. Currently, I
am building an enclosure for the entire cockpit area so we can use it
as a tent.
Aft, I am raising the drywell by two inches. It was already fairly
high but I want it higher in case of a boarding sea.
Am installing a second bilge pump (3500 gph) with straight walled
tubing exiting thru the transom powered by a third dedicated battery.
Am considering a removable deck under which I will put closed cell
foam. This deck would be 1/2" glassed ply held down to the stringers
with stainless threaded inserts. If I put in this deck, I will also
put in two 4" diameter drain ports level with said deck with rubber
flapper seal on the outside of the transom.
Biggest expense right now is a new motor mount for the 9.9 hp kicker.
The old one was simply too lightweight although it was specced for up
to 20 hp.