Storage Under Bunks 1990 2520 Parker

[Damandan]

I have a 1990 Parker 2520 and was looking for more storage up front. In my parker and I'm assuming all earlier parkers? the bunks were completely glassed over. Somewhere between 91 and 96 they started putting hatches in and gelcoating the space for storage. Anyways I used a 2001 Parker 2520 to measure and see where I should try to cut in to get this storage.

On the starboard side infront of the helm I wanted to use that storage space for batteries. Getting my batteries out of the bilge which is a bad spot for them (spark from gas fumes, potentially could get covered up with water, corrosion, ect). Also would help to get the nose of the boat down a little with the weight forward.

On the port side I am going to use it for just storage, tackle, life jackets, nothing important.

Here are the pictures so far this is still a work in progress. I still plan on gel coating the space white and cleaning it up a little.

With Cushions

Cushions Removed

Hatch installed

Starboard side with battery tray

Battery Tray is about 13"x13"

 

[speckmiester]

i have a 25, it has hatches on each side

 

[speckmiester]

forgot it is a 1989

 

[speckmiester]

what about the acid fumes in the cabin

 

[Damandan]

speckmiester, it must have been only on certain models then. My boat is pretty bare bones with not a lot of flare. So you have hatches on either sides of your bunks. Do you have a hatch up in front as well? Or just on the sides? Do you have any pics of the inside of your cabin?

I didn't really consider battery fumes but I figure there is enough ventilation in the house. Plus the batteries are sealed up with the hatch. I could always go with Optima closed cell batteries and fix that issue.

Just feel more comfortable to have the batteries up front in case of any emergency instead of down in the bilge.

Did the bracket on the back of your boat come with the boat originally or is it something you added? I was thinking about doing something similar to my boat.

 

[speckmiester]

yes there is an anchor locker up front, no the bracket didn't come on the boat. the boat was sold new with twin omc seadrives. port side had delaminated and moisture protruded the no rot wood and rotted. cut transom out from the outside and replaced with coosa board. replaced and patched and regelcoated and added stainless single bracket. bought the boat and trailer for 2,000.00. about 2,400.00 for transom and purchasing bracket. hung my old 200 and added my eletronics. since had to replace old rayeothon with a old furuno. will take pics of cabin. also added pulpit and windless

 

[speckmiester]

transom shot

 

[Megabyte]

If you use AGM batteries (Optima, Lifeline, ect), putting the batteries in that space should be fine.
If I ever put in a third 'house' battery, that is where mine will go.

Nice work BTW! 8)

 

[Damandan]

speckmiester, how do you like that bracket. I really like the look of the closed in stern. Does the boat ride easier? Is it any more difficult to trailer than before? Seriously considering doing that project next winter once I get the boat where I need it.

Great looking boat, very good work the stern looks factory!

For now just doing little changes to get the boat where I want it to take it off shore next season.

 

[Damandan]

Some more pics as I make progress.

Started glassing in the battery tray. It's a little messy because I wedged it in there, and it fell down while I was glassing it. Still managed to get it to hold, but need to grind out and re-glass a few sections. Also put the hole through for the battery cables.

Cut out the other side for more storage

What it looks like on the inside

 

[speckmiester]

i purchased the boat with no power it was a project. no problem towing, however don't tow often and far. it rides fine for a modified v.

 

[speckmiester]

CABIN

 

[Damandan]

Appreciate the pictures! Thanks

 

[scottywotty]

Mine is a 2520 built in 1991 so I guess that the break is there for the storage under the bunks as opposed to 1990 w/ out.

Scotty

 

[mildew2]

I had a 1990..2520 and it came with storage on both sides...came in very handy also.

 

[Damandan]

Update.

Finished glassing in my battery tray

and Gel Coated underneath both bunks.

 

[Megabyte]

Nice work! 8)

 

[pelagic2530]

nice work, looks very well done. one word of caution on utilizing the space. you mentioned using it to store life jackets. as per Coast Guard regulations, all life preservers must be "readily accessible", which is somewhat open to interpretation. however, if youve got them stored in a closed hatch with other gear on top of it, you might run into some issues should you ever get boarded (or, god forbid, have to use the vests). its a great space for sure, but maybe some less important or more seldomly used gear would be better suited for that spot.

 

[Megabyte]

In those spaces on my boat, I use them to store tools (in a .50 cal ammo can), fuel amendments (StaBil, StarTron, and Ringfree)
along with measuring cups and funnels, my tow hawser is in there, along with other assorted items that are rarely used.
The hatches are propped open with small pieces of wood to allow for ventilation. :wink:

 

[gw204]

Nice work.

In you last picture it appears as if you have a small gap between the bunk and the stringer. I would go ahead and caulk that gap so if you ever want to wash out the cabin you can do so w/out worrying about water running into that gap and getting trapped behind the stringer.