keep inspection holes

eavega

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 29, 2008
Messages
1,377
So, I had this nagging feeling that I had wet foam underneath the deck of my 76 Yarcraft Yankee. It just felt a lot heavier than a 15' tri-hull should have. The good news is that inter-hull space was high and dry (also, there was no foam in there, so someone must've rebuilt that deck at some point). In order to inspect, I had to drill an inspection hole into the deck, which I did with a 2-1/8" hole saw (actually I drilled two). Giddy with the knowledge that the deck is solid without a hint of rot, I was developing a plan to plug the holes I opened up before I paint the deck. I then had a thought; why not find a way to leave these inspection holes permanently on the deck? It would be a great way to take a peek under the deck should the need arise. Of course, I want do do it in a way that will leave it sealed from water intrusion. Can anyone suggest a good way to make a removable cover for these holes that would be watertight, fairly flush, and somewhat easily removable? I was thinking of finding a plumbing fixture that I could seal to the deck which would have a threaded cap.

I'm also trying to keep this inexpensive.

Any other ideas?

Oh, I should add that I discovered the reason the hull felt so heavy; because this is a really well built boat. The deck and transom are solid, the wood is all there, and the fiberglass is really, really thick. This beauty should last for a while!


Thanks

-Eric
 

Smokn

Cadet
Joined
Jun 14, 2010
Messages
27
Re: keep inspection holes

That might work but it would protude upwards and you might stub your toe one it ... What if you used a rubber cork or in the plumbing section they have a rubber plug that tightens against the walls of pvc when tightening the fly nut but it will also protrude some also. Just some suggestions can't wait to see what you come up with.
 
Top