SJ23 Tech Tip B36, (Created 2024-04-14) Bobby Kawamura, Bill Ward,  Bob Schimmel.

Index

Install Cockpit Inspection Hatch.
 
The fleet of aging SJ23 skippers is loosing its ability and desire to do the "cockpit crawl" as described in Tech Tip D03.  We are not getting any younger and anything to offset loss of strength, agility, and balance that keeps us going is welcomed. 

Fortunately the following solution can be implemented from the cockpit.  It comes from Bobby as an easier method of inspecting the bracket nuts.

  • "My SJ23 is equipped with a 7" diameter plastic hatch plate you see on dinghies and kayaks.  It is mounted at the stern of the cockpit, above the cockpit seat.  This inspection hatch creates convenient access from the cockpit to the outboard bracket nuts.  It's a little cramped to get a socket on the nuts, but nothing like the contortionist act described in Tech Tip D03.  When the nuts need checking, just twist off the plate and stick your arm in.  It still takes two people to tighten the outboard mount, but it's no big deal.  My boat was equipped with the inspection port when I bought it, but it doesn't look difficult to install with a drill and a jig saw.  The hatch plate costs about $11.00 US each and it takes a thin smear of silicone grease to seal the thread of the port.  Estimated install time is two hours, including loosing the wrench and drinking a rum.  The porthole is also useful for inspecting gudgeon, swim ladder bolts and corner stanchion bolts.  Heck you could store small things down there if they are stuffed into a compartment attached to the inside of the transom wall, saving you from cluttering the cockpit"  Bobby Kawamura.

 

Bill took this concept one step further by installing three 6" access hatch plates.  The way he puts it;

  • "Tech Tip D03 talks about inspecting the gudgeon bolts and other fasteners on the inside of the transom.  It suggests climbing into the port cockpit locker and contorting around to get into position to see/work on stuff mounted to the inside of the transom.  Not this 6’1”, 280 pound sailor!  Ain’t gonna happen!" 

With 3 hatch plates installed I have reasonable access to the outboard, gudgeon and ladder mounting bolts all without working up a sweat.  Bill Ward

 

NOTE - It's a good idea to check the tightness of the outboard mount, gudgeons, stanchion and boarding ladder nuts every few years.  Resist the temptation to lay stuff loose on the floor back here.  You'll never find it anyway! 

Happy spelunking
Bob Schimmel

 

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