bilge hatch

dogdoc

dogdoc

GreatGrady Captain
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Marlin
Pulling up my deck plates to reseal and inspect. The rear plate in this picture is over the bilge. Since I have owned the boat it has never been screwed down. Reason being it is the only way to access the bait tank and washdown sea cocks and float switch. This could not possibly be done through the pie hole. I probably lift it almost every trip. Screwing it down is just not an option. What might I do other than screwing down and sealing as the other plates are. There is really no problem with it this way as the small amount of water that does get in goes right to the bilge and is eventually pumped out.
Ideas?
hatch.jpg
 
dogdoc said:
Pulling up my deck plates to reseal and inspect. The rear plate in this picture is over the bilge. Since I have owned the boat it has never been screwed down. Reason being it is the only way to access the bait tank and washdown sea cocks and float switch. This could not possibly be done through the pie hole. I probably lift it almost every trip. Screwing it down is just not an option. What might I do other than screwing down and sealing as the other plates are. There is really no problem with it this way as the small amount of water that does get in goes right to the bilge and is eventually pumped out.
Ideas?
View attachment 36341
Click to expand...
I put a big Tempress hatch in it. Big enough to get my elbows in. deck gets screwed and sealed.
https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/265-mods.25902/post-157519


IMO the deck should be sealed. All water runs to stern and your bilge pump will constantly have to deal with water that should have drained overboard

also IMO...the 6 " pie plate access to the bilge pump, float switch, two valves, livewell and washdown pump and (in older times) two oil tanks and pumps...well that pie plate was just complete BS.
 
Last edited:
-- If you're happy with the way it is then just leave it?

-- Add a larger, opening hatch (than the pie plate) and screw the hatch down

-- Put hinges on one side of the hatch and make it an opening hatch. Hinges (or piano hinge) will secure it better, along with a flush latch.
---- You could even get crazy and put a gas spring on it... or even just one of those old-style spring supports that you "bend" in the middle to close.
 
bought a 13x30 hatch
 
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