Add Hatch Cutout?

[dtappeiner]

My older 16" Crestliner has very little access to the bilge area. The only access I have is a small cutout under the motor well where the bilge pump sits. I cannot even see in that area but can reach in and feel the bilge pump. The deck is pretty open as there are only 2 seats. The deck is plywood covered with vinyl marine non-slip flooring. I have never been able to see the area under the deck. The bilge always has a little water in it. I was thinking of cutting out a small area and adding a hatch like the one in the picture, for two reasons: (1) So I could see the area under the deck and possibly even wet vac out any water that stays in the bilge, and (2) to possibly use a drop-in bucket with the hatch for extra storage.

Any advice on making the cutout? How do I make sure I don't cut through something important? Any downside to doing this?

Thanks!

 

[commander315]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

Sounds like a plan. I dont know what kind of cutting tools you have at your disposal, but i would use a Rotozip with a plywood cutting bit. Unless ur just make the existing hole bigger, then a jig saw or sawzall (carefully) As for something important, just feel around and u should be fine.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

I would be concerned with where the fuel tank might be under the deck...post some pics of the area ..... I would go with a small circular saw,... set the depth to 1/2" to start with and see if you can make a through cut ( referred to as a 'pocket cut ' by a carpenter)... if you do not go all the way through the deck at 1/2" , drop the blade a little bit lower ... you only need to cut through the deck ..... so do NOT set the blade full depth until you know what is below the deck...better safe than sorry....good luck bro ! and welcome to iboats !

 

[commander315]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

I would go with a small circular saw,... set the depth to 1/2" to start with and see if you can make a through cut

I wouldn't pocket cut this, unless u want a mess and a really rough cut. (if your gonna do it this way though, tape it first.)

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

+1 on the Rotozip idea. Easy to control the depth, with the right tip it'll make short work of that hole. You can probably determine the thickness at your existing port. I've also found that scribing the cut line with a utility knife helps for a cleaner cut with a roto.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

Doing the same thing on my restoration, but I am putting in a new floor, so the cutting will be before the floor is installed.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

I wouldn't pocket cut this, unless u want a mess and a really rough cut. (if your gonna do it this way though, tape it first.)

uhm... how rough the cut is ,or big the mess is, depends on who has his hands on the saw...or rotozip....just sayin....

 

[commander315]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

uhm... how rough the cut is ,or big the mess is, depends on who has his hands on the saw...or rotozip....just sayin....

Unless you use the right blade and you really know what your doing, the cuts gonna be pretty rough, as for the mess, well, yea.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Add Hatch Cutout?

its a nasty job anytime you cut through fiberglass....thats for sure... make sure you vac up all that is laying around after you make your cuts....get that stuff into the vac , and away from your skin before you do anything else... unless you like scratching....lolol