I would like to put in a platform on the stern deck behind the ridge at the stern end of the cockpit deck. I want it to cover the fuel line and steering linkage. This would make a nice clear are to use to step on or get up into boat. You wouldn't have to worry about stepping on things you shouldn't and provide better footing.
Has anyone already done this and if so do you have pics and explanation of what to consider.
You would need supports to keep it off the line and linkage but support your weight and provide room for everything to move and not hinder raising the motor.
I did that for our X a number of years ago. Makes it much easier to get in and out of the dinghy. Also provides a handy place to strap on extra plastic jerry gas cans. One thing to be careful of, a lesson I learned the hard way. On our Loop trip I managed to chafe through the electrical umbilical that runs from the throttle control box, back to the engine. Since this wire bundle runs under my stern platform, I failed to notice that the steering arms had started to chafe the wire bundle. After sawing through a couple of wires, I discovered the hard way that each of those wires really does serve a critical function. Once they were cut through, the engine immediately died. Hard problem to find, for a while at least.
Chinook wrote:I did that for our X a number of years ago. Makes it much easier to get in and out of the dinghy. Also provides a handy place to strap on extra plastic jerry gas cans. One thing to be careful of, a lesson I learned the hard way. On our Loop trip I managed to chafe through the electrical umbilical that runs from the throttle control box, back to the engine. Since this wire bundle runs under my stern platform, I failed to notice that the steering arms had started to chafe the wire bundle. After sawing through a couple of wires, I discovered the hard way that each of those wires really does serve a critical function. Once they were cut through, the engine immediately died. Hard problem to find, for a while at least.
That's is a good piece of information to have. Thank you make sure of electrical routing away from pinion and linkage.
I made a deck for just the starboard side, since that's the side I board her when on the hard.
It's ugly. Just 3/4inch ply, stapled with outdoor carpeting. I only install it for the winter. It keeps my feet off the hardware and electricalware when boarding and disembarking.
What a pain it was to figure out where the feet could go! The steering linkage virtually seeps the stern deck side-to-side. There's almost nowhere to put feet that isn't in the path of some moving rod.
have done that mod look in the MODS Section their should b posts & pic,s of it there 
