Inspection Hatch

[Pusher]

I want a sealing inspection port just big enough to get a shop vacuum tube through to suck any standing water out through. The 4" seem overkill for my purposes. Does anyone know of a source for something like this?

Thanks

 

[fhhuber]

A large drain plug...Maybe a gas cap and cut the tube off.

http://www.iboats.com/Gas-Deckfill-...5895223--session_id.651223683--view_id.939480

 

[alldodge]

Use something like fhhuber mentioned and attach a hose to it and place the hose in the location where you would put the shopvac. Then remove cap and put shopvac hose on it

 

[Chris1956]

Be sure that you do not have any gasoline fumes in the bilge. Most shop vacuums have sparking motor brushes and if you suck gas fumes into a shop vac, they will explode.

 

[Pusher]

Brilliant Gentlemen!

I didn't use marine grade plywood when redoing the floors, so I didn't want to go full size on the 4" hatch.

If I ever have soft wood I'll be able to upsize to 4" and later 6". By the time that goes out, the boat will be "swimmin with the fish".

Thanks for the idea, and also the warning!

 

[Grub54891]

I would not use a gas filler. Someone would mistake it for a real one, and......not good. Use a similar one labled water if you must use that type.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Brilliant Gentlemen!

I didn't use marine grade plywood when redoing the floors, so I didn't want to go full size on the 4" hatch.

If I ever have soft wood I'll be able to upsize to 4" and later 6". By the time that goes out, the boat will be "swimmin with the fish".

Thanks for the idea, and also the warning!

did you at least use exterior grade plywood? if so......fogetaboutit and go fishing

 

[Pusher]

Thanks for asking grub. It caused me to realize that I accidentally bought the necks only, so I got some caps (waste) on their way.


Scott: I used the cheap stuff and rolled a coat of resin on before doing any fiber-glassing. I heard the pressure treated woods don't absorb the resins as well as straight up wood. Considering my budget, that jived with me. Unfortunately we had a couple weeks of snow and neglect (on my part) which allowed a slow leak to empty gallons of water under my floors as evidenced by the sloshing I heard. Needless to say, I'm super disappointed with myself. the innocent entry point will be attacked ASAP!!!

 

[alldodge]

which allowed a slow leak to empty gallons of water under my floors as evidenced by the sloshing I heard

Wasn't there foam under the deck to begin with?

 

[Pusher]

Wasn't there foam under the deck to begin with?

I understand the question but have no comment.

 

[Old Mud]

Pusher, if your going to compromise the water tight integrity of your deck then you should cut the hole just a tad bigger than you need and take some resin or or sealer (5200 or other) and coat the raw edges and let it harden / set up before setting in your penetration. That's one of those things that people don't think of but means everything for longevity.

 

[Pusher]

Thanks Old Mud, I'd probably be the one to just set it in with the 5200 and let it be. I'll seal everything up then come back once they've cured to place my ports in (with more 5200).