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Access to Seat Tanks-- Is It Necessary?


Don Silsbe

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As I study by BRS15 plans and photos I took at Messabout 2014, I notice that some builders have access to the forward seat tank area, while others do not.  Some use those white plastic access ports.  I wonder why I'd need access... ever.  I also wonder if I shouldn't build a seat hatch for the forward compartment, like I'll have for the aft half.  One Idea I have is to epoxy in a 4" PVC tubing, so that I can slide a fishing rod into the forward compartment (from the after hatch area), without compromising the water-tight seal.  I would love to hear what owners' experiences have been on this subject.

Don Silsbe

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As I study by BRS15 plans and photos I took at Messabout 2014, I notice that some builders have access to the forward seat tank area, while others do not.  Some use those white plastic access ports.  I wonder why I'd need access... ever.  I also wonder if I shouldn't build a seat hatch for the forward compartment, like I'll have for the aft half.  One Idea I have is to epoxy in a 4" PVC tubing, so that I can slide a fishing rod into the forward compartment (from the after hatch area), without compromising the water-tight seal.  I would love to hear what owners' experiences have been on this subject.

Don Silsbe

If you know that you have completely sealed the seat/tank and the boat will not be exposed to very hot temperatures, no openings are necessary.  Sealed hull areas have been known to distort and/or split seams in hot weather.  I always drill a very small hole (approx 1/16") in a protected area if a compartment is completely sealed to prevent this.  If a plastic or other port is installed, there is no need as some leakage can be expected.  When ports are used, its a good idea to open them for storage to allow drying out.  In either case, tank interiors should should be well coated with epoxy.

 

Your idea to fit a PVC pipe to the locker for long stuff sounds like a good one.

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I installed 8'' quick release see through hatch's in my aft lazerette the 2 seat air chambers and the fwd air chamber. Mainly to ventilate/inspect, but the ability to use as dry storage for such items as my sleeping bag cloth's etc had been a great bonus. And when I did capsize, they remained dry/airtight so I had plenty of buoyancy.  

 

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My little S11N has ports on the rear seats. I can't tell you how many times I've hid cameras, cell phones, car keys, and even the jiffy reefing line hat I don't always rig, a few pieces of extra hardware, etc. I also keep an old sweatshirt and a cheap raincoat top. Access is nice. Knowing it's watertight is even nicer.

 

Take Care,

Steve 

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LOON had ports in all four side tanks and the bow plus the first watertight lockers seen on any of the boats.  We were able to store everything needed for beach camping in there and the rest of the boat was completely clear.  Worked great as the photos on B&B website show.

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  • 4 weeks later...

My little S11N has ports on the rear seats. I can't tell you how many times I've hid cameras, cell phones, car keys, and even the jiffy reefing line hat I don't always rig, a few pieces of extra hardware, etc. I also keep an old sweatshirt and a cheap raincoat top. Access is nice. Knowing it's watertight is even nicer.

 

Take Care,

Steve 

 

Steve, I've read through your posts on your build.  Great job, I'm about 70% through the same build.  I noticed you put your inspection ports on the face of the rear seats which I want to do as well.  I believe you mentioned you used 5" ports.  What ones did you use?  And how watertight are they?

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I used the 6" ports from Duckworks supply, and placed them so that I can reach the rear bulkhead with my arm holding a sponge in case I need to do some mopping.  I can also reach almost to the front of the port.  I am toying with the idea of placing inflatable bladders from empty wine boxes in here, so wanted to be able to remove them if it turn out to be a stupid idea.  It is a conversation piece if nothing else, and an excuse to drink more wine.  

 

20150120_145422.jpg

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One of the sweetest things about my littel 11N is that its sitting right down in my finished basement, sitting out the winter. I just walked down and unscrewed the port to see its a Sea Dog Brand. I can't say they are any better than any others I've used, but they seem prtty water tight. Like all plastic hatches, a candle rubbed on the threads makes them work easier.

 

BTW, I just looked at Graham's CS17.3 photos. Yikes. I guess my boats not going to build itself! I can't wait to get started.

 

Take Care,

Steve

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One of the sweetest things about my littel 11N is that its sitting right down in my finished basement, sitting out the winter. I just walked down and unscrewed the port to see its a Sea Dog Brand. I can't say they are any better than any others I've used, but they seem prtty water tight. Like all plastic hatches, a candle rubbed on the threads makes them work easier.

 

BTW, I just looked at Graham's CS17.3 photos. Yikes. I guess my boats not going to build itself! I can't wait to get started.

 

Take Care,

Steve

thanks a bunch

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Thanks everyone! It is good to hear that the tanks are being used for storage, accessed through those plastic ports. I have them on a little dinghy I built years ago. I just never saw the point in why I did it. I don't want to do anything on this boat that isn't practical. Now, I see a good purpose for them.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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