Rotted Wood

[Diplomat82]

Well, I finally had some time to work on my mate this past week. First I removed all the rotted wood in the bow and then in the engine compartment.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a217/82Diplomat/DCP_1977.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a217/82Diplomat/DCP_1982.jpg
The rotted wood in the engine compartment consisted of basically a sealed plywood box, on either side of the motor, fiberglassed in and filled with foam. On top of one of the boxes is the battery and blower, the other one I use for storing tools and an extra prop. This looks like the original setup from the company. Of course the foam was saturated with water and is unusable.
I’m nervous about rebuilding it, like it was…..I don’t think I have the skills to seal the boxes 100% from water.
I was thinking of rebuilding it more like a shelf with supports, this would allow water to freely move in and out and also let it air dry. Also this way I could fiberglass all the pieces and not leave anything exposed.
Do you guys have any opinions, good or bad?
Also I was planning on using ¾” plywood.

[Diplomat82]

Oops! Sorry about the picture size I wasn't paying attention http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/brickwall.gif
Maybe Chris can help by resizing them for me.

[175checkmate]

Looking at the pictures I would just build a 3 sided box. A flat part for the top. Then cut one for the front and the sides. Once the fit is right and the shelf is screwed together seal it with resin. Sand off the bumps. Install the shelf where it needs to be and then glass it to the hull using a layer of matt. Sand off the high spots and rough up the other, then lay down a layer of bi-axle cloth. You can do this with strips of cloth. Cut them so they are about 4" past the seam. Blend into the hull, floor and side. Waterproof and very strong.