Water tank baffle

[John]

I've pulled the leaky ol cover off my integrated fresh water tank below the quarterberth. Poor factory caulk job! After 16 years, there was also a little orange-ish brown-ish SCHMUTZ that I couldn't hand wash through the inspection port, because the baffle was in the way.My question is: has anyone ever removed the baffle? Any dire consequences? If so, I guess I could put in a second inspection port for the other side of the baffle. Any feedback?

 

[John Blakely]

I pulled the cover off my water tank two weeks ago. same problem - leaks and is dirty. I cleaned around the perimeter, rebed with silicone rubber to make a gasket(let it dry two days before putting lid back), and installed a see thru, leak proof, removeable inspection hatch. The baffle simply lifts out. Clean by soaking with bleech and water for a little while, then follow with anti bacterial cleaner.By making a rubber gasket, I can yearly take the tank cover off and give it a good cleaning; besides if it leaks again, I can more easily remove the cover to fix.