I have replaced the bottom of my bilge locker.  It is
plywood over a sealed glass bottom, (this glass cover
is to keep water out of the cast iron ballast). When I
rebuilt the bilge I made some changes.  I have a
picture of the space below the cabin floor
that shows the space available, I have installed 4x 6v
225Ahr batteries and a starting battery in this space
the box is about 13ins deep.

I also had problems with the
mast/deck beam compression and chain plates, my solution to
the compression was to install a 4x4 oak beam and off set
the door to starboard, this allowed me to install a small
double berth for greater comfort. These are some of the
changes I have made if anyone is interested I will expand.

John Boor
MAHSEER #380