L&VW
Well-Known Member
Installed in the forward bulkhead of the cockpit, the most useful of [round] inspection ports appeared in this forum's pages—and never had thought to put one there—so that plain-appearing bulkhead has been staring at me for a couple of years. I've had two of the below rectangular watertight ports kicking-around for about two decades.
Although they're tinted, they also happen to be strong, and allow a good inspection of the forward half of the boat. (In particular, viewing the daggerboard trunk whilst sailing). It provides ample access for camera, telephone, food, and chewing gum storage, plus the ability to store a proper kayak paddle, instead of the plastic Sevylor kayak paddle that appears in the photo.
Yesterday, as it was too windy for sailing, I decided to "invest" one of these ports into my oldest, but slowly transforming, Sunfish. I used the saber saw that appears in the lower right hand corner of the second photo. You'll notice that the saber saw blade has been reversed, as two of the cuts wouldn't allow a "full clearing" of the saw in cutting. The removed fiberglass material will be saved for any future repairs.
Surprising was how thin the bulkhead wall actually is, and that it has a shallow compound curve to it. As I was cutting the second curve, the blade fell out, and was jettisoned inside the hull. The wall panel that was already cut was thin enough to bend, to retrieve the blade.
This port has enough strength to "marry" the port to the wall, easily flattening out the curve. Nonetheless, I fully secured only the outermost aluminum bolts first, bonding the port with an ample bead of silicone-sealer. After it's fully set overnight, I'll "snug" the remaining bolts, but not too tightly. The metal wingnuts in the picture, as they'll need to function in an area of knees, toes and elbows, will eventually be replaced by round nylon knobs.
Also surprising was the range of shapes, sizes, and prices for these "opening portlights"—anywhere from $47 (eBay—immediately below) to $700+. Some have up to five "dogs", but all you really need for a Sunfish is one or two to fully "dog the hatch".
Yes, this "opening portlight" could have been installed with the hinge uppermost. Maybe I'll change it.
Although they're tinted, they also happen to be strong, and allow a good inspection of the forward half of the boat. (In particular, viewing the daggerboard trunk whilst sailing). It provides ample access for camera, telephone, food, and chewing gum storage, plus the ability to store a proper kayak paddle, instead of the plastic Sevylor kayak paddle that appears in the photo.
Yesterday, as it was too windy for sailing, I decided to "invest" one of these ports into my oldest, but slowly transforming, Sunfish. I used the saber saw that appears in the lower right hand corner of the second photo. You'll notice that the saber saw blade has been reversed, as two of the cuts wouldn't allow a "full clearing" of the saw in cutting. The removed fiberglass material will be saved for any future repairs.
Surprising was how thin the bulkhead wall actually is, and that it has a shallow compound curve to it. As I was cutting the second curve, the blade fell out, and was jettisoned inside the hull. The wall panel that was already cut was thin enough to bend, to retrieve the blade.
This port has enough strength to "marry" the port to the wall, easily flattening out the curve. Nonetheless, I fully secured only the outermost aluminum bolts first, bonding the port with an ample bead of silicone-sealer. After it's fully set overnight, I'll "snug" the remaining bolts, but not too tightly. The metal wingnuts in the picture, as they'll need to function in an area of knees, toes and elbows, will eventually be replaced by round nylon knobs.
Also surprising was the range of shapes, sizes, and prices for these "opening portlights"—anywhere from $47 (eBay—immediately below) to $700+. Some have up to five "dogs", but all you really need for a Sunfish is one or two to fully "dog the hatch".
Yes, this "opening portlight" could have been installed with the hinge uppermost. Maybe I'll change it.
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