DIY inspection port?

Hi,

I have a couple spaces just in front of the transom under the “swim step” area that I won’t have access to from inside the boat. It’s outside the false transom and gunnels, like an outboard bracket. I would like to have access because I’m going to need to run some wires and such in there and am also considering putting my raw water intake in there. I looked into aluminum inspection hatches and they are very expensive so I was considering making a couple somethings myself. I shouldn’t need to get in there very often so they don’t need to be quick access.

I was thinking I could cut out a hatch shape from the deck, add a flange adhered under it for support and just seal it up with some goo. Maybe some threaded inserts to screw it down…

mad the top deck of the “outboard bracket” will it weaken things too much? Or Am I being silly and should just buy some Freeman hatches?

 

Can you post some photos please of this area where you are proposing to add these inspection ports?

What is this raw water intake for? Will it have a seacock on it? if you rarely go in there, then I guess the seacock will never be turned off?

 

Just buy a 6" Beckson?

 

I don’t like plastic

it’s the area outlined.
Raw water will be for wash down pump and bait tank.

I am reevaluating my thoughts on this, suddenly seems like maybe not the best idea….

 

How big of an hatch do you think you'll need? I've used the freeman t handle 8 and 10 inch before. Nice hatches but the current price would give some heart burn. My last 24x24 was more than my first 3 cars cost...

Have bought an ebay stainless 6 inch like the plastic beckson. Only a year old but seems alright. It's a bit chineseium but so was the price so we shall see.

 

That’s a potentially dangerous spot for any hatch, if you must have one in that location, don’t go cheap!
Raw water intake/pump should go deep in the vee in order for it to maintain self priming capabilities.

 

Thanks, I agree that it is a dangerous spot, close to the water. I am reevaluating my plans

 

If you have a raw water intake, the access should be easy. A bolted down and caulked hatch would make it impossible to access in an emergency. Also, through hulls below the waterline must have a shut-off valve. Can you relocate the intake further forward?