Adding Inspection Port - Rear Deck---OK?

[andymorto]

I have one of the "newer" javelins (second generation hull design)--and I suspect there is a lot of trash under the hull that I can't access (squirrels decided to make the boat their condo project) and I thought it might be good to have that port to aid in drying.

I wanted to add an inspection port along the center line aft of the the centerboard and just infront of the self bailing well. It would be a 6 inch sized port.

Any problems with this---will I hit an structural support or flotation that is under the deck?

Andy Morton
Madison, WI

 

[Joe11688]

I would install a 4" deck plate Andy. I can't honestly tell you what is under that sole plate but it's best to install a smaller deck plate than a larger one in this area. Me thinks that a larger deck plate could get broken if stepped on.
Years ago I installed an 8" Beckson Deck Plate in the center of the inside transom on my boat and just last year I installed a 4" Beckson Deck Plate on the inside wall of my fuel compartment to gain access to a cleat that I wanted to install on the rear combing. I was able to get my hand through this hole very easy.
You're going to have to use your own judgment on where to cut the hole.

What you could do is cut a 1" hole with a hole saw in an electric drill and try to judge what you have for space with a wire coat hanger. If it doesn't pan out for you, at least it will be easier to patch a smaller hole than a larger one.

 

[Sunbird22358]

I have a 4" Beckson inspedtion port that I added just aft of the CB trunk on my 1979 DS II. Not sure about the Javelin, but hte DS II has a centerline "deckbeam" that I cut through, I thought the cockpit sole had a core in it....but...OOPS! Anyway, I just added a pair of 1/2" plywood "sisters" one on each side of the hole to try to restore the function of that deckbeam. I bolted the inspection port (AKA: deckplate) through the deckbeam and those 2 plywood pieces and have not noticed any problems. I don't think a 6" plate would cause additional problems, they are made to be stepped on, however, I think you will find that a 4" one is enough. The one that I added does provide ventilation for the biilge while my boat is tucked away for the winter each year. It also adds another place to insert a bilge pump. Oh, be SURE to use a good marine silicone sealant around the ring of the deckplate and buy a screw-in plate that has a gasket. That will help prevent rainwater in the cockpit from seeping below.