O'Day 22 port locker access

[Pianobob]

As a very recent 1st time owner of my 1978 O'Day 22, I have recently taken her out of the water. I have a few leaks that I have to deal with, but I'm thinking of re-bedding as much of the deck hardware that I can to prevent future leaks. After checking around all of the boat, it seems that there is no access to the underside of the 2 cleats and winch on the port side of the cockpit. These are right above the fuel locker, and they look like they could be accessed if I cut a hole in the back of the fuel locker, and installed a removable access port. Does anyone have a suggestion or experience in this regard? Thanks, and happy Thanksgiving!

 

[mike4433]

I'd have to go look but I'm pretty sure I can access mine from the port side berth.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

Yes, agree with Mike. Not positive but think you can get to winch from inside cabin. Sit on berth and look back. May have little narrow area in cabin ceiling going rearward. Nuts holding winch may have flush plastic color matched caps that need removed first.

Good luck.

 

[Technodad]

Hey "Pianobob"
I put a 6" round access port (forgotten the proper name this second) in the back of my fuel locker on the starboard side. I am so happy I did, I can reach all the nuts without getting stuck under the claustrophobic cockpit space. I was able to get wiring from my autotiller to the battery on the other side without any problem. Also I can get in there with a sponge attached to a paint stirrer stick to mop out any water and clean. Use short screws so you don't scratch up your arms.
I love those things.....

 

[Hydro Therapy]

I have a 1980 version. I'm able to access the cleat ansld winch from inside the cabin. I did notice that a previous owner started to hole punch the outside wall of the fuel locker. Whoever did it stopped the project before the hole saw punched through. No sure why he stopped.

 

[Pianobob]

Hi, and thanks for the replies. I did look down the port berth previously, and wasn't able to see access to the winch and cleats, but perhaps I didn't look well enough. I will try again when the weather is more favorable here in Staten Island. In any event, it seems like an access port would make the task easier, so I might try that, as well as the one suggested many times by Trinkka on the inside transom. I know that I have to replace my leaking lower gudgeon down there. I've never dealt with this before...can anyone help with how I make the hole? Do I use a hole saw on the end of a drill bit. Forgive the ignorance, but at 60 this is my first boat, and I'll be doing most of the work myself.

And, let's have a good thought for Joe (Trinkka). I read that he's ill, and hope he will recover soon. I don't know him, but have learned so much by reading his posts, both in terms of how to repair and upgrade, as well as from his tenacity and ingenuity in attacking problems. The guy obviously loves all things related to Trinkka and sailboats.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

lower gudgeon

does your boat have a lazarette that opens into the hull? my 23 does, and when I wanted to reseal my lower gudgeon my teenage daughter was able to slip through easily and hold the wrench while I tighted from outside.
Good luck!

 

[Pianobob]

Hi Lance, yes there is access though starboard locker to the gudgeon. I've actually been down in it a few times, and can see the cockpit drain and gudgeon bolts. Not easy for a 60 year old, however, and prefer to build a small access port a la Trinkka's Joe. I again went back to drydocked boat, and saw no access to port side winch and rear cleats through cabin, at least on my 1978 o'day 22.

 

[Pianobob]

Just read of Joe's passing in another thread. Condolences to his family. We will all miss him, even those of us who only knew him through his spirited posts.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

I realize I was not answering your access port question very directly. Just these boats are not built overly stout in that area and I wanted to make sure you knew there were other options. Fair winds and an early Spring to you!

 

[Pianobob]

Thanks Lance. Same to you!