Rhapsody's New Traveler

[Steve Laume]

Although I have a CD-30, there is the same access problem to the stern area. I have had to get to the transom to install a wind vane and a bilge blower as well as work on the manual bilge pump. It seemed kind of crazy to me that there was no access to this area. I put function ahead of beauty and cut a big old hole back there and installed an 8" inspection port. I never even notice it at this point until I go to work on something back there then it is a godsend. I can pretty much reach everything from either the inspection port or the cockpit lockers, Steve.

[barfwinkle]

I have considered the same project Steve but just can't muster up the nerve to cut that big of a hole.

Fair winds

[Steve Laume]

Bill, it's just fiberglass.

Buy an inspection port, measure the inner flange, scribe it with a compass, drill a starter hole and grab a saber saw. What could be easier? Once you have that big ole hole just put the inspection plate in and drill the bolt holes. A little caulk and you will never again have any trouble accessing things back there, Steve.

[barfwinkle]

Bill, it's just fiberglass.

Buy an inspection port, measure the inner flange, scribe it with a compass, drill a starter hole and grab a saber saw. What could be easier? Once you have that big ole hole just put the inspection plate in and drill the bolt holes. A little caulk and you will never again have any trouble accessing things back there, Steve.

Steve

Was the deck "camber" an issue?

TIA & FW

[Sea Hunt Video]

Bill:

When you have 10-15 minutes, I would like to talk with you about your traveler system. I am getting ready to order from Harken and a few installation questions.

I am sending you a PM with my home phone.

Thanks.

[Sea Hunt Video]

To All CDSOA members and guests:

I just received a phone call from Commodore Bill Slater in response to my request to talk with him briefly about his Harken traveler.

Bill spent almost one (1) hour on the phone with me walking me through the exact steps for installing this particular traveler. Sadly, because I am so dumb, several times Bill had to track back and repeat what he had just explained 1-2 more times until I finally understood.

I cannot begin to thank Bill enough for his patience, time and help.

There are a lot of great things about this board. For me, one of the greatest is the friendship and kindness of fellow CD owners who are willing to spend their valuable time helping another CDer. Special, very special.

[Steve Laume]

Bill, it's just fiberglass.

Buy an inspection port, measure the inner flange, scribe it with a compass, drill a starter hole and grab a saber saw. What could be easier? Once you have that big ole hole just put the inspection plate in and drill the bolt holes. A little caulk and you will never again have any trouble accessing things back there, Steve.

Steve

Was the deck "camber" an issue?

TIA & FW

Bill. I put the inspection port in the vertical portion of the foot well at the aft end of the cockpit. That area is perfectly flat and water never sets there. On the 25-D, I believe the engine panel is there so you may have to offset the inspection port. This would also give you some access to the back of the panel but might not be of much use there for lack of a sight line.

I just had occasion to use it again while installing my larger holding tank vent and line. It was pretty easy to reach in and tighten things up as well as making the hose connections. It would have been a horrible job without this access, Steve.

[barfwinkle]

Thanks for the clarification Steve, however, the manual bilge pump is takes up the remainder of that aft cockpit bulkhead. I guess I could move the pump, but not too sure I want to do that.

Fair Winds

[Sea Hunt Video]

Commodore Bill:

I sent you an email to the email address in the CDSOA 2012 Membership Directory.

[rollo_cd26]

Hi to all,

I have completed my and posted my Garhauer traveler upgrade project on this forum.