Is this a crazy idea?

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rgranger

rgranger

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Jan 19, 2010
12,943
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
So I have a new-2-me Balboa 26 and of course I need to modify it some so I can feel like it is actually mine:D

But seriously, the head compartment has no ports so it is very dark... and likewise the v-birth.

So would putting in one of these be a stupid thing to do...

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|6880|48504&id=47503

It is supposed to be an access port but it has a clear lens so... why not? I could even see attaching a pull chain or gluing a piece of nylon on the "window" so you won't lose it overboard in the event you want to open the "port".

I had one like this on the deck of my MacGregor but it did not have a clear lens. I would pop it out and put in a cowl vent when at anchor. So it seems like a few of these in the deck would also brighten up the V-birth.

So my question is... am I overlooking something? Why don't we see this ... These are only $16 vs. the hundreds for a quality port. Don't get me wrong. I understand the quality ports provide a lot more utility and functionality. But to just let a little light in?
 
S

soldier1964

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Jul 8, 2012
144
Helms 25 indiana
actually it sounds like a nice easy fix for venting and a little bit of light. I have a hatch over the v-berth with a screen for those purposes. as long as you like it and it gives the privacy you want, I see nothing crazy about it. it will feel more like you cause it is your idea. keep on brain stormin.....
 
sailaway78

sailaway78

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May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Guarantee

I can almost guarantee you it will leak. Maybe later than sooner, but it is going to drip.
 
CalebD

CalebD

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Jun 27, 2006
1,479
Tartan 27' 1967 Nyack, NY
I like the concept of this idea. It is simple, cheap and expedient.

I do wonder though how well an inspection port like this would hold up to being stepped on or worse, hit by hundreds of pounds of green water pounding over your bow. I suppose this would be fine if you were always going to be in quiet protected coves but probably not advisable if you planned on going farther afield.

You could try one as a test and if it did start leaking as NiceNEasy suggests well, that is why they make Butyl tape.
 
R

Rob19574

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Feb 4, 2005
524
Catalina C-30 Mattituck, NY
I think it depends on your boat, your preference and situation. For $16 and if you are not fussy you have a rather simple solution. If you have a newer boat, resale-value is very important and you have the extra money to spend -- then perhaps go with the real hatch that will cost ~$200. I think from a functional standpoint you should be fine and you may see an occasional drip from the screw-in lens (but not the frame if installed properly with sealant).

If you are still undecided and fit smack-in-the middle of this scenario, buy a used hatch on eBay for ~$40 and you have the best of both worlds....
 
james295

james295

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May 11, 2012
53
hunter 29.5 napa ca
I have a question about hatches and wind shield on hunter 295.I have had my boat for 1 and a 1/2 years and never walked on them . can you do this and how much weight will they take ?
 
C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
3,011
Catalina 320 Dana Point
James,
Hatches are different thicknesses, some (well, mine anyway) are labeled "NOT A STEP" . However, we've all stepped on them, mostly they don't break, probably will scratch. It's like stepping on a grave, usually no harm done, but it still creeps you out and you avoid doing it if you can.
How much weight? Beats me, but I weigh 150 and don't feel comfortable with the practice.
 
J

jimg

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Jun 5, 2004
175
catalina 27 dana point
I have three of these on my present boat for just the reason you stated: Light. I also had two on the boat before that, for a total period of almost twenty years and no leaks. This is first hand experience. They do work, and no, your boat won't sink (really?).
 
mark_swart

mark_swart

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Sep 25, 2008
385
Harpoon 5.2 Honolulu, HI
I think it sounds fine for an older boat that has already hit its 'depreciated value.' I'd want to double check the deck thickness vs. plate thickness just to make sure it is deep enough. I doubt it will leak for a very very long time: I have a similar non-clear one in my unused dorade that doesn't leak . And if it does...then you just spend another $16!
A prism would be ideal as it diffuses the light and almost looks like a fluorescent, but that would also be expensive.
 
wflowe2

wflowe2

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Oct 15, 2009
220
catalina 320 Perry Lake
I have one of those covering the access to my emergency tiller post. It leaks. The boat is relatively new, 2008, and I have removed and replaced the original with a new one. It still drips. This leak does not cause any problem in my situation but if this was over living quarters, it would db a problem.
 
thinwater

thinwater

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Mar 26, 2011
3,967
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
The way I look at it, this guy is not sailing high latitudes and it is on the deck.

Durable? These (not the clear version--the clear version may not stand UV so well) are installed on tens of thousands of beach cats, they are left in the sun, blasted through waves and stomped on. I had 3 on my Stiletto 27: 2 on the bows where they went through waves all of the time, and 1 for a cover on a water tank. If you have a failure, replacement is trivial... but you won't.

It will be less convenient in that it cannot be opened from inside. Durable? Yup. Leaks? Not in my expereince, not if the gasket is given a touch of Vaseline or equivalent once in a while.

----

Internet sailors can be a bit paranoid.
 
rgranger

rgranger

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Jan 19, 2010
12,943
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
Guys..

I really appreciate all of the comments. And you have given my brain a lot to stir ...

Thanks.

I'll let you know what I decide.
 
MrBill_FLL

MrBill_FLL

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May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
use 4200 and through bolt w/ nuts, not just screws.

should be fine.

I'd carry a spare cover or 2.... they do not float.
 
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