How to Approach a Project in steps

[CFrankum]

I have an 1872 center console that I want to work on as a project and make real nice. But, I have to do it in steps because I can’t drop the money/time to do it all at once.

First and foremost, I need to put a subfloor in. I’m going to do aluminum sheeting and hudroturf on top.

But, I’d like to add some catwalks to the gunwales and deck out some of the stern as it’s just open now.

My main question is, if I put in the floor, can I build around it to put in catwalks and maybe some extension of the front deck? Or would I have to rip out a bunch in order to get what I want?

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Not sure what you mean by adding "catwalks". Actual connection of the two decks such that you could walk on them? or just storage side panels?

While it will take more planning and anticipation of your future needs, don't see why you couldn't do the subfloor, followed by the deck, deck extension, and catwalk at a latter time. When I did our Starcraft Mariner and the DMI1648, they both had two stages, with a fishing season inbetween.

 

[CFrankum]

yeah catwalks I plan on storage on the sides from front to back about 12 inches wide.

My concern is having to rip up hydroturf and potentially the aluminum floor to reach the ribs to tie supports into. Might be overthinking it, but I need to get a floor in for sure.

 

[MrGiggles]

Why not put the floor in, and build the catwalk boxes on top of it? No need to really go around it, you could fasten through the floor sheet into the ribs without an issue. It would also provide a flat bottom for your storage bins, where stuff couldn't roll under the ribs and get lost under the floor.

Also seems to me like adding 12" side boxes to that boat is going to leave you very narrow passageways to walk around the console. Maybe a boot width.

 

[CFrankum]

For 12 inches at the top, it only needs to be just past the bottom of the rib at the bottom, angle of the gunwales are as such that i can get a big hatch. That gives me ~ 16” of space in each side.