INVESTIGATOR 563

Like most investigator owners I have a row of tubs screwed together in a line under the cockpit for storage that pulls out into the cabin. Great thing until I plan to go out for extended periods and I need to load up the boat with food, nappies etc then access to these tubs becomes a puzzle of moving objects. Has anyone attempted to install a hatch into the floor of the cockpit like these?

https://www.whitworths.com.au/storage-a ... mm-x-275mm

I feel like two of these well placed would be a great solution but at the same time I don't want to destroy the integrity of the boat or cause bigger issues.

I have seen someone chop an outboard well into the cockpit floor but the way it was done added to the overall strength of the floor as it was shortened and reinforced in the process.

I've seen these hatches in the floors of other boats so I assume they would have some strength in them?

If you read the fine print in the ad it says the hatch is not waterproof, and not suitable for deck use. I would not cut into the deck, as you are likely to introduce leaks.

My row of tubs can be slid completely out. Maybe the answer is to do that, and put them on the deck when you need easy access. Normally they only intrude into the foot space in the cabin, so not a problem.