Bridge Storage

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:54 am

Does anyone see a problem with closing off the access doors to the console on the bridge and cutting a big old hole in the top and adding a gas shocked hatch. My thought is to take better advantage of the space under that console. If I could access it from the top I could build a nice hold that might even double as a cooler - I think it would make dead space into my lunch and beer cooler for those trips where cooler space is at a premium. While I'm at it, I am going to order a new fiberglass swim platform (old one got the corner ripped by a shark - no kidding) and add some chaulks so I can run with a cooler on the platform and save cockpit space - think that is too much weight on the transom? Any thoughts? My poor wife wishes she never heard of this repower as fishing is starting to take over a bit - I am on very thin ice! Thanks

smanni · Post by **smanni** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:18 am

I have seen a lot of coolers on the swim platform - I did it on my last boat

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:57 am

George, I don't know how your boat is set up, but all of the electrical connections for my electronics are on the underside of my console. I guess you'd have to relocate those though I don't know where you'd move them to. Also, I don't know how much weight you'd be adding, but I'd keep adding weight that high up to a minimum. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:57 am

There is a lot of empty space under that console, the wires are an issue but they could be redone. I would love a recessed cooler, it would save the kids and wife a lot of trips up and down the ladder! Bill 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

Fish Stix · Post by **Fish Stix** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:26 am

I want to hear the shark story.

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:28 am

I love the coolers on the platform. I was fishing about 15 out last year. 4-6 on a 30 Grady. Found a cooler floating out there. Caught a couple dolly's out from under it, pulled it in and got 2 bottles of Capt. Morgan, & sliced oranges. Still on ice. Keep putting those coolers back there! Oh..I kind of like the cooler on the bridge idea. You could probably put a drain up there, but it would run down the side of the boat. My wiring for the alarm bell and the Data Dart smart box is under there right now. I know what to do with the Dart. Gene Dugan

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:37 am

I too have been toying with the idea of a small frig on the bridge, but the aerobics of fetching cold beers keeps my wife slim and trim. As for a hatch on top, where would you do it, and would there be any risk of water finding its way to the wires and down onto connections? 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:16 am

I agree, an empty beer can hitting the cockpit deck from above has a special meaning on my boat. Gene I want my cooler and my rum back, you can keep the oranges Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:53 am

So, is that a smart ass way of saying a cooler will never survive on the swim platform? That was my concern, it would somehow get free but I think I could strap it down so there is no way it could get away - no? The shark story is brief. Click, click, zzzzzzzzzzzzz - tug and pull, tug and pull, tug and pull; half hour or so later 180lb mako is boatside very unhappy with me. In goes the flying gaff and he spins around and latches himself (aka bites) to my swim platform. We bash him, poke him - don't matter he will not let go. He gets even madder and starts slashing all over but has now managed to get his mouth caught on the davits for my inflatable. Old wooden swim platform looses that battle every time. The corner starts cracking and the bastard takes a chunk with him. Of course, we had him for dinner so fair is fair

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 6:34 am

So you used the chunk to make toothpicks for after dinner! 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 6:52 am

quote:Originally posted by GMarty The corner starts cracking and the bastard takes a chunk with him. Of course, we had him for dinner so fair is fair Did you get the chunk back when you cut him open? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 7:44 am

Is High Tide the best / only place to get the glass platform? Seemed a bit pricey when you figure shipping - nearly $3 grand

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 7:48 am

quote: Seemed a bit pricey when you figure shipping - nearly $3 grand Talk about "Shark Bites!" 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

smanni · Post by **smanni** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:02 pm

the cooler cound be strapped down - If it stayed on a 25'boat for me - it could stay on our boat. Just needs to be strapped correctly. Idiots who use a bungee or two and expect it to stay are the people who lose coolers to the ocean!

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:30 pm

I have a nice cooler on my bridge port side it works out great there and is a nice additional seat.It works well on my style helm where the helm is forward.All my drinks are stored there because my cockpit cooler is usually filled with big fish!