Cockpit sole inspection ports

[thomasglossop]

I just bought a 1984 Day Sailer that is in great shape however the 2 inspection ports in the cockpit sole at the forward end and either side of the centerboard trunk are both crumbling.

The problem is that they seem to be of an odd size. The opening is a standard 4" but the OD of the mounting ring is 5 1/4" which is smaller than anything I can find (including D&R's site). Going with one that's bigger is a problem as the molded rise would mean the edges would not be supported and therefore break. Your feet end up on top of both of them when you're standing at the mast.

Any ideas on where to get replacements?

I appreciate any help.

Tom

[seandwyer]

Have you removed one to see what the actual size of the cutout is? Usually the overlay of the ring is about an inch. If so, look at the RWO inspection ports here--you will have to cursor down to them.
http://www.apsltd.com/c-4513-inspectionports.aspx
most 4" ask for a 4-1/2" hole and the ring is then 5-1/2". RWO has a 4" requiring a 4-1/4" cutout, so the ring may be that 5-1/4" you are looking for.

[GreenLake]

Ideally, you would be able to increase the cutout so that you can fit the next larger size and then put a new set of deckplates in. Inspection ports can never be large enough.

[thomasglossop]

Thanks for the web link Sean. It looks like the 4" RWO might work, I've emailed them for dimensions.

I have not taken the port out yet because I want to sail this weekend ( if this crazy rain in NC ever stops ). That's a great suggestion and I will do that.

Happy sailing!

[thomasglossop]

An update Sean ( and anyone else needing the same inspection port).

The RWO style is in fact 5 1/4 OD and should work great. They only have black in stock so I"ll ave to wait for a white one.

Thanks again for the link. Happy 4th and smooth sailing!

Tom

[Thomasjbrothersjr]

I just came back from D&R with 3 different types of ports, to no avail, they all came up short. I appreciate your leg work guys. My ports are brittle, dry and now broken. They are desperate for replacement.

I will be ordering up a pair ASAP. Thanks



TBone

[Thomasjbrothersjr]

Just to get it straight before I contact them... 4" RWO has an outside diameter of 5 1/2"? I have an 83 with the raised area in the deck as well. Kind of a bummer that they are back ordered though...


Thanks
TBone

[alfredochandler]

The link really proved to be helpful for me as I got Bottleport Drink Holder and was searching for it but two days before my ports are broken. does anyone can suggest a good place from where I can replace it.

[thomasglossop]

Tone,

I was told that the OD of the mounting plate is 5 1/4. I'm still waiting for my white ones to arrive. I'll update you when they come in and I can measure them.

[Thomasjbrothersjr]

I gave the cats at APS a call Friday about the back ordered white inspection ports. They really didn't have a definitive shipping date for them. These are made in England and shipped to the US. I went with the clear lid version. I figured I needed them quickly and having the ability to see if we are taking on any more water than usual is an added bonus. When they arrive I will mount them up and report back.

TBone

[Thomasjbrothersjr]

They're in... One of my easier upgrades. This was made easier by sheer luck, the two sets of holes lined up. I removed the old brittle bases, scraped and cleaned the surfaces and made sure the holes were large enough to accept the new hardware. I used stainless steel machine screws, stainless washers and stainless nuts with nylon inserts. I ran a bead of Marine Silicone adhesive around the back of the plate as well as filling the drilled holes. It is funny how you forget how much of a pain in the ass the silicone can be. After tightening the 6 screws down a small amount squeezed out from beneath it...perfect. A little clean up and we're done.

[jeadstx]

Glad to hear those worked to replace the originals. Now I know what to order.

John

[TIM WEBB]

Yeah, I love the idea of the clear covers, to see at a glance if there's water in the bilge ...

... <sigh> one more item on "The List" ...

[thomasglossop]

Update, I called APS today to find out about delivery of the white ones, still no answer. I may get the clear ones too.

[thomasglossop]

Great pics Tom, thanks for including them. The install looks great. Your before pics look just like mine, gray and crumbling.