Splash well deck plate/bilge access
 

So. I'm sick of reaching through a tiny pie plate to access the bilge in my 20 Sceptre. I am planning to cut a larger hole and install a 10x20 armstrong hatch in its place. Anyone done this? Good idea? Bad idea? I need to do something. Its hell trying to do anything in there. I cant be alone in this. At first I hesitated because it is in the splash well, but the armstrong deck plates have a good reputation for water tightness.

that was one of the first things I did when I got my boat. I think it was a ~14x23 hatch. Well worth it.

Never looked back...
http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...1&d=1620067014

I can sit on the floor, have both feet in the bilge and can access everything in that area.

Bilge access
 

If I move the buckets I can sorta crawl inside

Nice...gotta have room.

strick

Nice work!

All those look great. I'm talking about actually putting it in the splash well and replacing the round one that is there. See pic. There is a real concern about water in the bilge from this hatch, but from what I read, the armstrong plates are pretty tight. More solid even than this round one.

The ONLY reason I didn't put mine further back was because I intend to put a bulkhead there. I've bent the pvc board, just haven't installed it yet.