SJ23 Tech Tip B36, (Updated 2025-03-23) Bobby Kawamura, Bill Ward,  Bob Schimmel.

Index

Install Inspection Hatch on the Cockpit Coaming. (Under Construction)
 
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. 

Bobby - Fortunately the following solution can be implemented from the cockpit.  It comes from Bobby Kawamura as an easier method of inspecting the outboard bracket nuts and whatever else is installed back there.

  • "My SJ23 is equipped with a 7" diameter vinyl access hatch you see on dinghies and kayaks.  It is mounted on the cockpit coaming, (stern wall of the cockpit).  This access hatch is convenient to inspect the outboard bracket nuts from the cockpit side.  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 SJ23 was equipped with the inspection hatch when I bought it, but it doesn't look difficult to install with a drill and a jig saw.  A hatch costs ~$11.00 US and it takes a thin smear of silicone grease to seal the thread of the plate.  Estimated install time is two hours, including loosing the wrench and drinking a rum.  The hatch is also useful for inspecting gudgeon, swim ladder 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 technique 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 nuts, all without working up a sweat.  Bill Ward.

 
UPDATE Panache 2025 - This Spring I intend to install a 5" diameter vinyl hatch on Panache to inspect the outboard bracket and back stay tang nuts, plus the VHF cockpit speaker.  Its just too much effort to do the "cockpit crawl" over the drain hoses to reach those fasteners.  The 5" diameter hole is just large enough to slip my arm through.  It has a seal outside the thread to keep water out.

To retain the strength I'll back up the hole with a 1.5" wide 3/4" thick marine plywood ring installed on the inside.  This is likely unnecessary but I have a habit of building everything to withstand WWIII!  A ring of 3/4" thick wood has the strength to retain the stiffness.  I'll use wood screws so I don't snag things on the way in/out of that hole.  The wood ring is coated with epoxy to protect against rot.  If I were to paint it I'd use urethane paint.  Alternatively, a ring could be made of aluminum. 

The temporary location shown at right is roughly lined up with the outboard bracket and where I'll cut the hole.  The gel coat will be taped over to outline the hole and to prevent pulling up chips with the jig saw.  To install the ring:

  • I'll spread butyl rubber over the flat inside of it.
  • Lower a line through the hole, tossing it to the port side.
  • Tie it to the ring (with me doing my last cockpit crawl).
  • Pull the ring up to the hole. 

After this it gets tricky. 

  • Release the line to pull the ring against the back of coaming,
  • Line up the ring to the predrilled screw holes,
  • Clamp it to the coaming to spread the butyl rubber.
  • Once the butyl rubber has spread I'll drive the wood screws through the vinyl ring, holding everything captive. 
  • Celebrate with a scotch.

I have to do all this without dropping the wood ring so I don't contaminate the butyl rubber.  Three hands will come in handy!  If you hear me cursing, come with rum or scotch!  It usually settles me down.

I also plan to include a short line, tied between an eye strap on the back of the plate and another on the ring, so I don't loose the plate en route.  I don't foresee it falling out but you can never tell.   Bob Schimmel.
 

NOTE - It's a good idea to check the tightness of the outboard bracket, gudgeons, stanchion and boarding ladder nuts every few years.  Resist the temptation to store loose stuff loose under the cockpit as it has a nasty way of sliding into things with each tack, possibly loosening the cockpit drain lines.  You'll never find your stuff anyway! 
 

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