[alberg30] Inspection Hatch / Deck Plate

[finnus505 at aol.com]

From: finnus505 at aol.com

Hi Guy,
I put a Bomar access panel in my cockpit sole to get access to my engine 
water pump, the stuffing box, and the cockpit scupper through hulls.
I bought the biggest one they make, I think it's about 18" x 22" if I 
remember correctly.  I got it through West Marine.  It cost about 60 dollars.
It is a plastic access hatch, and I was alitlle dissapointed when I felt it 
give a little more than I would have liked when I stood on it.  I could 
easily see someone going through it if they were jumping into the cockpit, 
either because they didnt know better, or what.  So I made a plywood cover 
for it, until I can make a nice strong teak cockpit grating.
There are aluminum access panels, or manhole covers, available, and though 
they run in the hundreds of dollars, oviously they are stronger, and require 
no protection for themselves.  Hamilton Marine in Maine has a bunch in their 
catalogue.
Cutting out the hole is no fun-the cockpit sole in the A30 is quite a 
laminate. On ours, 255, there were two layers of masonit core, sandwiched in 
heavy glass laminates.  I used a sawsall to cut the opening.  The glass dulls 
the blade quickly!!!
It's a very worthwhile project though.
Hope this helps,
Lee 
Stargazer #255

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