Inspection Port - bug infestation
Hi,
New to the forum and looking for a little guidance please. Circa 35 year old Vickers Mustang fibreglass boat. I realised a little too late that all the bugs around the back of where the boat is stored had decided to make a huge nest in rear hull section via the middle bung hole. This one goes into a section under the floor below the fuel tank. I've scraped as much crap out as I can via the bung hole but I know there's plenty more. Its not just dirt that I can flush out.....its full of sticky filth with eggs etc.
Thinking of intsalling an inspection port under where the fuel tank sits to ensure I can get all of it out. See photo's. I can feel on that section of the floor that there is a large area without any other supporting timber underneath so suspect it will be a pretty simple job. Floor section is in good solid shape. Just wanted to make sure I am not making a mistake taking this course of action. Any suggestions please?
Thanks
pelagicyachts
Posts: 1322
Date Joined: 23/02/11
I do see any issue with what
I dont see any issue with what you are suggesting - I would make sure that the hole in the transom (bung hole) is not exposing the ply - if it is make sure you take it back to solid wood and seal with epoxy
scubafish
Posts: 962
Date Joined: 15/08/12
Like this ?
https://nis.nikonimagespace.com/html/guest/detail.html?g=3IMuRvoy40aSZd_ikgQnEA3uNbxzu0lrt_mf2ae-a7enxRd5nx4aewueGBzA9t5249bSzFxEWzwwiYgeA4XE_wET_bQbjRGUjr0jsWZS1xbVPrlO8gN5dlaQqzlJU-y7uJyVxarTDS8
http://img.gg/BQ91Sys
jappi
Posts: 4
Date Joined: 06/11/18
Thanks scubafish.....yep.
Thanks scubafish.....yep. That's how I saw it happening. Just being overly cautious that I'm not making a dumb move......
scubafish
Posts: 962
Date Joined: 15/08/12
Tank
Just may have to watch the tank sitting on it mite have to put rubber feet on tank , hatch may sit up a bit.
Cant put the tank anywhere else ?
http://img.gg/BQ91Sys
jappi
Posts: 4
Date Joined: 06/11/18
Yep agreed scubafish. Tank
Yep agreed scubafish. Tank has to stay where it is. I was looking at putting an aluminum strip under each of the rails that the tank sits in (you can see them in photos) to pack the tank up higher. Will certainly make sure tank sits clear of hatch.
scubafish
Posts: 962
Date Joined: 15/08/12
Just suggestion
I would maybe put the tank on conveyor belt rubber and strap it in,if the boat stops suddenly it will be airborne.Those hatches come in different sizes also make sure they have the o ring seal on them and sicko the frame in with the s/s screws.dont want air escaping in case of a upturn of the boat.
P.S. Can also put a float switch bilge pump in hull for added safety with a alarm on it.
http://img.gg/BQ91Sys
Faulkner Family
Posts: 18062
Date Joined: 11/03/08
Personally i would be doing
Personally i would be doing a thorough check. I was told by tbe guy who fixed my transom Gt fiberglass. that ants can and will eat away at any timbers over time. Hope its not going to be bad news for you
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
jappi
Posts: 4
Date Joined: 06/11/18
Thanks
Thanks guys. Have gone ahead and cut a hole on each side. Cleaned out a heap of crap and all looks fine. Will give it a good airing out. I'll take your points on board about how best to fix the tank back in its place. Appreciate all your help. Thanks very much.