'Flush' Deck plates

[fallguy1000]

So, I have setup a couple different deck plates on the boat. One I am really struggling with making access easy and making it look good. The other looks nice, but far from 'flush'.

If I use the not flush one; it looks decent and I can open it in a second. The other one will require sealing and cutting the seal. I tried to use duct seal, but it looks like arse.

Opinions desired.

The black sealant is the duct seal sort of untrimmed.

[VT_Jeff]

So, I have setup a couple different deck plates on the boat. One I am really struggling with making access easy and making it look good. The other looks nice, but far from 'flush'.

If I use the not flush one; it looks decent and I can open it in a second. The other one will require sealing and cutting the seal. I tried to use duct seal, but it looks like arse.

Opinions desired.

Interior or exterior?

[fallguy1000]

Exterior

[VT_Jeff]

Exterior

If I thought I could get away with the proud one without risking life/limb for myself, the Mrs or Junior, I'd go that way. But I fear it's a tripping hazard. Maybe put a chair over it.

[Fuzz]

I see you already have the hole cut but I hate those spin out deck plates. For me they always seem to leak and are a pain to get out.

[Cowbro]

I wish there was a better option out there for this application.

I like the Hobie- twist and seal hatches used on their kayaks.
https://www.travelcountry.com/shop/hobi ... gJ8h_D_BwE

I think it would be slick to route the sole down so that the top of the hatch was flush with the surrounding area. Depending on the thickness of the sole, you'd probably need to add some sort of backer underneath for support. The only drawback I can think of is that it would collect a little bit of water around the edge and you'd rely on evaporation or rocking of the boat to clear it out.

I'm curious what you come up with, I have a couple spots on my boat that I'd like to have occasional access to for maintenance/inspection purposes.

EDIT:

Or if it really is an occasional use item, you could inset one of these in the deck and screw it down:
https://www.amazon.com/Marine-DSSDP-2-2 ... 2855&psc=1

[BrianC]

What about something like this:

3EAB21DA-B339-45E8-A6D1-147C4C88C740.jpeg (16.03 KiB) Viewed 541 times

E91924B9-9DFA-4F62-A904-187DF6A7A363.jpeg (32.04 KiB) Viewed 541 times

https://www.amazon.com/Buchan-Marine-Pl ... 8PBVX?th=1

[fallguy1000]

I think the best solution is to recess them in a bit. But the work involved is sort of a shitton. Forst a routering out to dimension. Then decoring and recoring, there are 6 of them. Then reroutering.

Another option is to ramp up to them or make a fiberglass molded ramp. But it will still be 'trippy'.

The router method would allow me to keep them a tad bit high so they'd still drain some. But more on my list.

They are decored probably for a 5" lid, but I need to get my hand in there..so I'd rather no make them smaller.

Wife says leave them, but I feel like they are just too trippy as is.

[piperdown]

Guarantee, if there's a tripping hazard I'd find it, multiple times....

[Jaysen]

Guarantee, if there's a tripping hazard I'd find it, multiple times....

with both pinky toes...