BLUEZERBY

I have a 2008 Challenger 180 SE and were struggling with the lack of dry storage space. I had to remove the speedometer panel the other day to fix the radio remote and noticed a huge unused space under the center driver console. I'm assuming the same space is available on the passenger console under the glove box.

Has anyone taken advantage of this space? I'm thinking about cutting some rectangular holes along the side of the consoles and installing some of these hatches:
http://www.tempress....oducts_id=44735

The holes would be approx 11" x 27". The space would be great to store towels or any other dry items. I don't think these consoles are structural, the fiberglass is very thin.

What do you think? Should I go for it? If I do, I'll post some before and after photos.

In a few months I plan on using my Challenger 180SE in salt water. The boat will be up on a lift after each use so it will be very difficult to hook up a hose to the flush connector (even if I added a quick connect adapter). Instead I'd like to splice in a connection inside the engine compartment.

Has anyone done this on a Challenger 180? I'm not sure if it's a simple as splicing into the hose that's hooked up to the flush connector and capping that connector off on the outside. Or if there's a better location to splice into closer to the front of the engine compartment. During normal operation does the engine suck water from this flush hose? I'm wondering or not to cap it off if I splice into the hose.

Ideally, I want to be able to hoist up the boat on the lift, open the engine compartment, hook up a hose, power on, hose on, flush for a few minutes, hose off, power off, disconnect hose, then rinse the engine compartment and be done with it.

If anyone has hose diagrams for 2008 that would be very helpful. I've seen the diagrams on the OEM parts sites but they don't show where the flush connector hose.

Does anyone know of or have installed an aftermarket Intake Grate for a Challenger 180 SE? I see lots on the web for PWC and other sport boats but none for Seadoo Boats. I'm looking for some extra power when taking turns. I seem to suck air in some turns when pulling a towable.

If you have one please let me know where you got it and what you think of it.

Thanks