DaySailer.org Forum

I would like to put an inspection port on one side of the centerboard trunk in the forward top area to be able to install new jib cam cleats. Has anyone done so?, are there any issues with the center board in that area that i need to be concerned about?

I am not convinced you need to install an inspection port to install jib sheet cleats on the CB trunk of a DSII. My boat has wood between the inner and outer hulls on top of the CB trunk under the angled flat spots the factory molded in the trunk cap for mounting cleats. I would imagine your boat does as well.

I agree, you do not need an inspection port. I placed cleats on my DSII (first boat) on top of the cb trunk and had no problems. Since the stress on the screws is lateral, and not vertical, there is no danger of the screws coming out.

Another problem with trying to put an insp port is there is a double wall there, not a single wall.

I installed jib sheet cleats on my centerboard in that area as well. I had no problems. As I recall, the pilot holes for the screws I drilled ran into some kind of reinforcing plate, I don't remeber if it was wood or brass.

John

I replaced the factory cleats with new Harken as the originals were shot. To prevent any future problems, I drilled out the wood and bedded the new screws in epoxy which was thickened with coloidal silica.
So, unless something is different between our boats you should have no problem mounting your cleats without an inspection plate.

If you coat the screws with wax, the epoxy will form threads around them as it hardens, but the wax will still allow the screw to turn and be removed.

Mold release agent or Pam cooking spray both work well for this purpose also.