How to cut and patch an access panel?

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sneakypete

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Apr 11, 2014
36
Oday Widgeon Worcester, Mass
The bow eye on my 1984 Widgeon is seriously loose and I'm going to have to cut a hole in the interior wall to fix it.
I've ordered one of those circular 5 inch patch panels to do this. Besides having to find a flat spot to install this panel and sealing the ring, any other heads up information you can give me? :neutral:
 
Sunbird22358

Sunbird22358

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Jun 2, 2004
1,944
Oday Day Sailer Wareham, MA
No, your idea is pretty sound and pretty much matches what the previous owner of my DS II did when he had to replace the boweye. The only thing is, did you buy a 5" screw-in deckplate/inspection port? Or is it a plate that mounts on "permanantly". I ask, because I'd recommend the removeable type of deckplate in case you need to retighten or replace the bow-eye (or the stem fitting that holds the forestay and jib tack) in the future. Below is a pic of a "snap-in" type deckplate, but most larger ones (like a 4" or 6" or 8") are threaded to allow easy opening for access.
 

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S

sneakypete

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Apr 11, 2014
36
Oday Widgeon Worcester, Mass
Thanks for your quick reply, its the screw-in type because it has the finger holes.
I didn't run across any of snap in type, if they are smaller I would have made the mistake. I can't believe they wouldn't put stop nuts because it's probably on the road vibration that would loosen it. I ordered it from DR Marine up the road. Thanks again.
 
Sunbird22358

Sunbird22358

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Jun 2, 2004
1,944
Oday Day Sailer Wareham, MA
Well, depending on how well the holes for the bolts were sealed originally....... the boweye on my DS II is backed up by an oak block (unpainted, no protection at all!) the backing block may have rotted or at least compressed?
On my old Widgeon (1969 model) the boweye was backed up by either a thick fiberglass pad or wood encapsulated in the fiberglass hull. I sold that boat 18 years ago...... don't really remember how the boweye was fitted. On my DS II, I removed the boweye a few years ago to reseal it and at that time coated that oak block thoroughly with epoxy.
 
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sneakypete

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Apr 11, 2014
36
Oday Widgeon Worcester, Mass
I received the patch panel today so I'll find out sometime this week what the problem was. I hadn't thought the bow eye was backed by wood block , but we'll see. If it's wood rotted, I'll replace it with a nylon block. I also received a small boom bail which I installed about 8 inches or so from the bottom of the mast. I prefer this to a length of cable to secure the boom vang.
 
Sunbird22358

Sunbird22358

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Jun 2, 2004
1,944
Oday Day Sailer Wareham, MA
Sneakypete, if you want an interesting experience, drive down to visit Rudy some Saturday morning. His shop is like a "candy store" to an O'DAY owner!
 
S

sneakypete

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Apr 11, 2014
36
Oday Widgeon Worcester, Mass
Since I'll have access to the inside of the boat I'll install a cleat for docking. Along with being handy, I have a source of sailboat "candy". It's only a 12 foot boat, but I'm rigging to make it a more efficient solo boat. This is the last boat I'll ever buy. I've done a bunch of dry runs in rigging on the trailer to find out ways of making it easier.

I'm thinking of how to install foot straps (hiking), its got nice wide side decking to sit on, but nothing to hold onto.
 
S

sneakypete

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Apr 11, 2014
36
Oday Widgeon Worcester, Mass
I installed a small Harken block on the mainsail outhaul boom cap. The cap was only held in place with one rivet on one side. I found it very loose so I drilled the rivet out and then the hole all the way through. Installed two 3/4"stainless rivets from each side and it's solid. It's been blowing 30 mph and 40 degrees so as soon as it's decent weather I'll do the access panel.
 
S

sneakypete

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Apr 11, 2014
36
Oday Widgeon Worcester, Mass
Access panel: amazing how thick the interior wall... jig saw, Dremel tool...done deal!
 
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