Remove Bulkhead Compass

[fritz3000g]

Hi there,

I had a compass in my Mac25 which is busted. I refilled it and it just wobbles around, so it's not salvageable. I have another compass with a completely different mounting style, but I need to fill in the hole left by the old one.

I suppose I could take the chance to learn fiberglassing and gelcoating (and maybe I should), but with so many other projects I'm kind-of looking for a stopgap. I've seen deck plates, but they're all round and this hole has that odd cutout at the bottom. I could certainly make the hole larger and round it off if that's the best solution.

Any thoughts?

Inside diameter of the round part of the hole is 5"

[David Mellon]

I would just add an inspection port, there are many available from Amazon.com. I use one for storage, I have my paperwork in it, easy to get to and dry.

https://smile.amazon.com/Sea-Dog-337140 ... ction+port

[ris]

On our 26X we put a piece of starboard over the hole and then cut a hole in the starboard to mount our 30 amp smart plug for shore power. The starboard is white and only 1/4 inch thick. If you use a starboard patch then you need to round the corners. David's idea of an inspection port would look nicer and also give you a space to store small items.

[Tomfoolery]

That's also where many have a marine speaker for radio and such.

Of course, you'd want the other on the other side to match, so there's that.

[fritz3000g]

Do inspection ports flush-mount over the hole, or do I need to round out the hole for one of them to fit?

I suppose I could also get a piece of teak to cover the hole, which I could then more-easily screw stuff to.

[fritz3000g]

Thinking about it, I'm starting to lean towards using that fancy plexiglass stuff they use for windows (can't remember the name right now). This would give me a rear facing window, and a way to check if my daughter was sleeping if I didn't want to open the companionway. Anyone done this?

[vizwhiz]

A clear, removable, deck plate is available. Someone on here put one in as a port light under the cockpit to add light to the pizza oven. Also, deck plates are available in 4" & 6" diameter. You could build a frame out of starboard or teak to cover the funny hole, and mount a 4" deck plate in that. Or cut out the hole to fit a clear 6" deck plate. Just ideas...