Today I pulled my boat form winter storage. It was taken a part and each hull was stored up side down. When I was rotating each hull to set it on the trailer I could hear something bang inside each hull. Next I checked two holes where bungee cable goes through hull for trapeze. I could not see all the way through. I’m suspecting that they broke and loose pieces make that noise while I was rotateing hulls.
Where is the best spot to cut inspection ports to see what is wrong ? How can I fix broken tubes inside hulls for bungee cords?
Kris, I have the large inspection ports on the N20 and I love them. They are just aft of the daggerboard trunks. There is a bulkhead behind the inspection port and the trunk in front which makes a fantastic storage area for quick and easy access while racing or under sail, plus there is ALOT of volume in this area. We store spare lines on the bungee tubes and also use the tube as a place to tie off the leash for the cover. There is enough room in this area to put a small soft side cooler, or drybags for fowl weather gear, which is very nice for distance racing. I'll see if I can find a picture to post.
Did you step on one while sailing? I did once and I broke one. That is why I’m hesitating to put one in. But I guess it is the only way I can get inside the hull and see what is going on and make necessary repair. I would appreciate any pictures you can post.
Yes, regularly, and at 225# it's not an issue. These things are solid. As stated before these ports are LARGE and considerably beefier than what you normally see. I must also add that they are the easiest to remove and screw back on. I don't know why they are so easy, they just are. The 5" and 6" are always a PITA. Next time I'm near the boat I will check and see what brand and size. Still looking for the pictures . . .
I can't get the 4 big ones on my -really old- Prindle to spin open, any ideas on what to squirt in there to loosen them up? It's nearly impossible to get any type of wrench on them to get some leverage, I'm affraid I'll break one if I hit it with a hammer or something else jammed in the finger holes.
There is a large soft polyethylene air "tank" inside each hull just in front of the daggerboard well - they make noise when the boat rolls around. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
before using tools to force the lids open make sure the drain plugs are open to equalize any internal hull pressure, any positive or negative internal hull pressure can make the ports hard to remove
once off a little dry lube might be a good idea, a wet grease like vaseline would tend to hold sand in the threads which is probably what the problem is now
I can not see through. When I push bungee into tube it goes through but is not smooth. I guess I can not tell until I will cut inspection ports. But I do not know where is the best spot to do it so I have good access to both tubes.
Kris, I found a few pics that might help. This position is between the bulkhead and the daggerboard trunk. I can take more pictures this weekend if you like. Let me know. . .
The holes are never smooth. I still don't think that you have a problem. they are always a bit choked up with bits of sealant. gently pump some air in the bung hole and see if it leaks out the bungee hole by spraying on soapy water.
