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Doug91mac26s wrote:Here's what I did. Just install an access plate,easy peasy

That looks very clean. What size access plate is that?

I used a 6" white, smooth, pry out deck plate. I also used SS oval head machine screws, with washers and nylock nuts. The opening is big enough to get your arm in there to reach the forepeak, and easy inspection of the bow eye.

I used a jig saw with a metal blade to make the cut. The fiberglass is thin there, so cutting is easy, just take your time. The ring of the access plate covers the rough cut, makes a nice clean installation.

I'm all about clean installations of all my mods. I shoot for a professional job.

I installed two 8" inch access plates on either side of the companionway, you can see my posted mod here:
http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=1277

More of my mods can be seen in the Mac Mods area.
http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index. ... 586&page=1

http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d64/doug91mac26s/

I just go the deck plate this weekend aloong with the hardware for an installation this weekend. I really like the 8" plates on each side fo the companion way. Nice idea. It will make future MODS much easier. Only issue. Deckplates don't come cheap. I might put them in one a month. too bad walmart or lowes don't sell chinese deck plates. 20 dollars a pop isn't cheap in my personal economy.

Doug91mac26s wrote:I used a 6" white, smooth, pry out deck plate. I also used SS oval head machine screws, with washers and nylock nuts. The opening is big enough to get your arm in there to reach the forepeak, and easy inspection of the bow eye.

I used a jig saw with a metal blade to make the cut. The fiberglass is thin there, so cutting is easy, just take your time. The ring of the access plate covers the rough cut, makes a nice clean installation.

I'm all about clean installations of all my mods. I shoot for a professional job.

I installed two 8" inch access plates on either side of the companionway, you can see my posted mod here:
http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=1277

More of my mods can be seen in the Mac Mods area.
http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index. ... 586&page=1

http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d64/doug91mac26s/

8 inch $13+.....

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/ha ... /index.htm

More here....

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/hatches/index.htm

and they are good people to work with.

Doug can you get you hand all the way up to the bow....



...like where the bolt is on my anchor install there (arrow)? I had a hard time getting there and I think my hole is larger than the deck plates. If you need a larger opening can you just unscrew them and get the rough cut hole size?

Thanks, Sum

Our Endeavour 37

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Sum, to be honest with you I'd have to try it. I put the access plate there for the purpose of accessing the bow eye. Yes, I could remove the deck plate completely, but I don't know if the small gain of opening would make any difference. Next time I'm in there I'll have to see just how far I can reach.

Doug91mac26s wrote:Sum, to be honest with you I'd have to try it. I put the access plate there for the purpose of accessing the bow eye. Yes, I could remove the deck plate completely, but I don't know if the small gain of opening would make any difference. Next time I'm in there I'll have to see just how far I can reach.

I hated working in that area. You for sure can't get two arms in there. That front bolt was a long reach, but the real pain was getting....



... the backing plates for the underside of the.....



... bow rollers up in there and also the lock washers and the nuts on them all at the same time with one hand when you can't see what you are doing. I hope all of that is in there at this point until we sell the boat. Ruth was on the outside to keep the bolts from turning so that sure helped,

Sum

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

Yes, some of these mods can be a real test of agility and dexterity. I'd like to think some of these exercises are good for the aging I know you're considerably older than me Sum, you've mentioned your age several times. We all know you do a lot of mods, so I think I'll follow your lead, keep up the good work, never stop

When I did my roller I found that 5200 glued the plate, wsahers and bolts to themselves so you could piece the thing together from the v-berth. Wear nitrile gloves so you dont end up with 5200-hands...