Petrel
Member
On my last trip to a marine hardware store I picked up two (2) 6-inch inspection ports and a single 4-inch inspection port.
I also bought 4200 caulk and (mistake, I guess) some Stainless Steel bolts, nuts, washers (expensive). I was in a rush and the store was closing. After I got back to my home in a different state, I realized that locking those inspection plates with both 4200 AND through-bolting them with SS bolts, washers, nylon insert lock nuts was a bit overkill (and more expense that was called for). There wasn't any monster in there trying to get out, and there really won't be any force yanking outward on them. I got the Beck___ (son?) white plastic with screw on lids.
So, my first question: Can I just screw them down with ss screws? What size? (they didn't come with hardware)? I read the other forum posts on Inspection Ports, but still have these questions. Rivets? I don't know anything about them, but am willing bo buy or borrow the gear and learn how to do that (I guess).
The other question is: Can I put a 6 inch port forward (did you say "off center" and can I also use the other 6 inch toward the back/stern? From the really good photos and sketches posted earlier, it looks like most of you go for either a 4 inch or a 5 inch. I've got a 4 inch, but wonder if that will allow enough room for my hands and eyes to remedy "what lies beneath" the deck.
Is a 6 inch Insp Port stretching the capacity of the stern deck to stay strong? I gather one doesn't want to make Swiss cheese of their deck and should put no more holes than are necessary. Should I use the other 6" or return it for a 5 inch.
Thanks for your help. Petrel
I also bought 4200 caulk and (mistake, I guess) some Stainless Steel bolts, nuts, washers (expensive). I was in a rush and the store was closing. After I got back to my home in a different state, I realized that locking those inspection plates with both 4200 AND through-bolting them with SS bolts, washers, nylon insert lock nuts was a bit overkill (and more expense that was called for). There wasn't any monster in there trying to get out, and there really won't be any force yanking outward on them. I got the Beck___ (son?) white plastic with screw on lids.
So, my first question: Can I just screw them down with ss screws? What size? (they didn't come with hardware)? I read the other forum posts on Inspection Ports, but still have these questions. Rivets? I don't know anything about them, but am willing bo buy or borrow the gear and learn how to do that (I guess).
The other question is: Can I put a 6 inch port forward (did you say "off center" and can I also use the other 6 inch toward the back/stern? From the really good photos and sketches posted earlier, it looks like most of you go for either a 4 inch or a 5 inch. I've got a 4 inch, but wonder if that will allow enough room for my hands and eyes to remedy "what lies beneath" the deck.
Is a 6 inch Insp Port stretching the capacity of the stern deck to stay strong? I gather one doesn't want to make Swiss cheese of their deck and should put no more holes than are necessary. Should I use the other 6" or return it for a 5 inch.
Thanks for your help. Petrel