Trip 0 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Hi all, I just picked up a new (to me) 2006 Explorer 233. Took it out for two beautiful days on the lake last weekend. I had a question about the hatches in the attached photo. I can't seem to figure out the reason for these hatches. In the photo, it's on the deck behind the captain's chair. There is another behind the other co-pilot chair. Any ideas? Trip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rip5 0 Report post Posted July 21, 2017 Storage. But not for anything specific. I would put extra dock lines in there myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GetAway 0 Report post Posted July 24, 2017 Put a waterproof bag into each and fill the bags with ice and beer! Mini Coolers!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trip 0 Report post Posted July 25, 2017 Great ideas. I should be able to get to the boat next week. I'll see how big they are and see what I could fit. I thought they were access hatches for something. Thanks. Trip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattwascavage 0 Report post Posted July 26, 2017 I have a 2004 233 Explorer (new to me this year) and was wondering the same thing. It looks like something stored in there could slide toward the back of the boat. I wouldn't put anything in there without knowing for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trip 0 Report post Posted July 26, 2017 @mattwascavage, I agree. It does look like you could loose stuff in there. Good luck with the boat! My 233 Explorer is also new to me this year. We should compare notes... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael_Rx 0 Report post Posted July 27, 2017 I have a 2005 233 Explorer and I assumed that they would provide access to the seat mechanisms or possible allow for the seats to be removed and replaced. I purchased my 233 this spring and I would like to chat with other 233 owners. I wondered what your top speed and if you have a seat cushion over the engine hatch as well as a cushion in the center of the bow. I only have one in the bow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trip 0 Report post Posted July 27, 2017 I've only had the boat out twice. Next time, if I remember, I'll see what the top speed is. I don't have either of the filler cushions. Do you use the one in the bow? If so, how so? Maybe we should start a 233 owners thread? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattwascavage 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2017 Hi Trip, We were out on the water today (Magothy River, Maryland) and I looked at the hatches again. It looks like there is a floor drain in each of them, but it's raised off the boat floor, so I doubt it would get much use. Also, I do have the filler cushion for the bow. It makes a sun pad across the entire bow area and is really nice for laying out. You have to flip up the port and starboard pads in the bow, the put in the fillers before replacing the bench pads. It fits tightly and is very sturdy. I have the stern filler pads for the walk-thru also, but not the filler pads to make the bed between the seats on the port and starboard sides. I'm all for a 233 owners thread if we can. Pic of mine below. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trip 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2017 Matt, Beautiful boat! I love the black. I might look into the bow cushion, seems like a cool idea. I was also out today for a bit and I can't seem to figure out those hatches, they still don't look like storage to me. I'll start a 233 owners thread, we could share ideas/issues/etc. Trip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
