# Access port on foam forward bulkhead? **URL:** \ **Category:** Builder's Forum\ **Created:** [June 1, 2024, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468 "2024-06-01T14:23:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Paul\_Harker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dfb087/32.png) [@Paul\_Harker](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Paul_Harker)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2024, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/1 "2024-06-01T14:23:55Z")
I have a strip-built Petrel Play with no forward hatch or bulkhead. I am thinking of fitting a foam bulkhead but would _rather_ not install a deck hatch for aesthetic reasons. My kayak is currently only used on calm inland waters. So two related questions: 1) Am I asking for trouble mounting a bulkhead sealed with 5200 silicone on only one side?  2) Is there any reason to not install a port on a foam bulkhead to allow ventilation when not in use and possibly storare when in use?  And I guess a bonus question -- any access port recommendations?  ---
**Author:** ![Dave\_Dawson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dave\_Dawson](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Dave_Dawson)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/2 "2024-06-01T21:55:10Z")
   Why not cut a foam bulkhead for a snug fit, put a rope handle on it so it's easy to pull out, and just go with a press fit? The boat tapers forward, so you can easily snug it up with your feet when you get in the boat. A 3" thick block of minicell will stay in place pretty well.  ---
**Author:** ![Laszlo\_Morocz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Laszlo\_Morocz](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Laszlo_Morocz)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2024, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/3 "2024-06-01T22:45:03Z")
It depends on just why you want a bulkhead. Is it for creating a watertight flotation space? For something to support your feet? Or some other reason? Laszlo   ---
**Author:** ![Howard\_Spira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ec9cab/32.png) [@Howard\_Spira](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Howard_Spira)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/4 "2024-06-01T23:35:18Z")
Hi LessPaul,  interesting that you are asking as i have been looking to do something like this on my latest project. what i had considered was the minicell bulkhead with 5200 only being used on the outside edge (as there is no real way to do it on the inside). i was also considering carefully cutting a six inch circular hole in the bulkhead with a slight cone shape to it (so that the outside diameter is ~ 6 inches and the inner diameter  is 5.5 inches) so that you could press the cut out piece back into the bulkhead to seal it....and then use a rope on the 'plug' so that you could remove it for longer term storage and to ensure all dry and allow it to dry out if that is necessary. h    ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_Harker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dfb087/32.png) [@Paul\_Harker](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Paul_Harker)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/5 "2024-06-02T13:01:58Z")
HWoxbox: that's an option I had not considered, but I question if the foam might not come popping due to air pressure when I would need it most.  Lazlo:  my intent is both floatation and limiting the amount of water that would need to be pumped out in case of flooding.  Hspira: that is a very clever solution! I'm currently not confident enough with my foam cutting skills, but I will definatly keep that in mind. All: it may well be that I'm over thinking this entire matte and should just tie a float bag to the front of my foot rest rail.  ![](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HX82lVG0GFe4uiAueibasJqqTI7-enun/view?usp=drivesdk)[![](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HX82lVG0GFe4uiAueibasJqqTI7-enun/view?usp=drivesdk)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HX82lVG0GFe4uiAueibasJqqTI7-enun/view?usp=drivesdk) ---
**Author:** ![David\_Dewitt1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8c91f0/32.png) [@David\_Dewitt1](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/David_Dewitt1)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 5:56pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/6 "2024-06-04T17:56:21Z")
Why would you not do a hard bulkhead out of 3mm plywood and glass it in (or at least use a fillet)?   As for use access ports, I like the ones from DPI [https://duckworks.com/dpi-pull-up-deckplates/](https://duckworks.com/dpi-pull-up-deckplates/) ---
**Author:** ![Laszlo\_Morocz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c68b51/32.png) [@Laszlo\_Morocz](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Laszlo_Morocz)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 12:53pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/access-port-on-foam-forward-bulkhead/50468/7 "2024-06-05T12:53:00Z")
LessPaul wrote: All: it may well be that I'm over thinking this entire matter and should just tie a float bag to the front of my foot rest rail.  That's exactly where I was heading with my question. Since the boat obviously doesn't need a bulkhead for structural reasons and you already have footrests, a float bag will answer all your needs. And if it doesn't, it's real easy to pull out and do all the bulkhead stuff later. MY WD12 by design has a single bulkhead behind me. In front I use a large (40L) roll top dry bag wedged in as far as it will go. That gives me about 80 lbs flotation and 10 gallons less water to pump out. I can also trade some of the flotation for a truly dry place to keep a sweater or other dry clothes. Don't really need the fancy cone-shaped ones. It's worked for me for 23 years. Or you could just see what Mary likes best :-) Laszlo