Inspection hatch in 25D

[Martinhilldpo]

Need to get in to the back of the engine to release the shaft and check alignment. Boat is out of the water and I measure about 1/8" deflection when I turn the prop. Vibration is teeth rattling.

I am too old and fat to get in there through the port locker and so is the mechanic. I am considering putting a bomar inspection hatch in the deck of the cockpit. Has anyone tried this and was it helpful?

Hatch cost about $150 and I can install myself.

[mgphl52]

To get proper alignment, the boat needs to be in the water.

[Martinhilldpo]

You are quite right, the boat needs to be in the water when the alignment is done. Job 1 is to pull the shaft and make sure it is not bent.

The vibration is insane. Anything over 2500 rpm is not sustainable. I have pulled the prop off and checked the balance, it was fine so that is not the cause.

Has anybody tried fitting an access hatch?

[Sea Hunt Video]

Martin:

Over the past few years there have been several threads on this board discussing cockpit inspection hatches, etc. There are even some photos

This is one thread:

http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic ... kpit+hatch

Reading through the posts brought back some fond memories of Cape Dory sailors who are no longer "posters" on this board.

If you do a search on "Cape Dory Discussions" you should find several other helpful threads.

[Martinhilldpo]

Thank you Robert most helpful.

It seems like I have 2 choices. Either fit a hatch or take the boat to a smaller mechanic.

The next nearest yard is 50 miles away. That means get the boat there on the trailer, pay a tiny mechanic to pull the shaft to check it is straight, put in the water, rig the mast and stays, check the alignment, sail it home, go back and pick up my truck and trailer.

I think I am going to fit the Bomar hatch. Do it right, do it once.

I already made a nice wood grating for the cockpit so a bomar plastic hatch will be plenty strong enough.

Thank you again.