# Deck Plates in Foam Bulkheads

**URL:** <https://forum.clcboats.com/t/deck-plates-in-foam-bulkheads/39983>\
**Category:** Builder's Forum\
**Created:** [August 7, 2012, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/deck-plates-in-foam-bulkheads/39983 "2012-08-07T14:13:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![pag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e19adc/32.png) [@pag](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/pag)\
**Post date:** [August 7, 2012, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/deck-plates-in-foam-bulkheads/39983/1 "2012-08-07T14:13:43Z")

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Building&nbsp; the 11 Ft Little Auk.&nbsp; I was going to install deck hatches, but the decks are so short I am shying away from hatches.&nbsp; Has anyone installed Beckson access plates in minicell foam bulkheads?&nbsp; Wondering if they can just be glued in with 5200 or if I should use long screws (3"+) with a backing ring.&nbsp; Since these will be only really for venting the compartments, I have also thought about just installing paddle board vent tubes and eliminating access to the end compartments all together.&nbsp; Ideas and experience approciated.

Paul

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**Author:** ![Chris\_Borkman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c4cdca/32.png) [@Chris\_Borkman](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Chris_Borkman)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 7:25am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/deck-plates-in-foam-bulkheads/39983/2 "2012-08-08T07:25:05Z")

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I have three commercially built kayaks (along with my Shearwaters) with the foam bulkheads being hit or miss. &nbsp;One works, one sometimes leaks, and one always leaks. &nbsp;In other words, you may get water behind your bulkhead and I would not think a vent tube would dry it out. &nbsp;I would guess an access plate in foam might add to the problem.

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**Author:** ![Wesley\_Ewell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8797f3/32.png) [@Wesley\_Ewell](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Wesley_Ewell)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 8:20am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/deck-plates-in-foam-bulkheads/39983/3 "2012-08-08T08:20:31Z")

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Consider making the bulkheads of 4mm plywood. Cut them so they are about 1/16" shy all around, then install with clear marine silicone caulking.

I used this system with access ports on my daughter's Ganymede and they have worked very well. You can see photos at [http://twofootartist.com/ganymede-construction-notes/](http://twofootartist.com/ganymede-construction-notes/)

-Wes

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**Author:** ![Chris\_Borkman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c4cdca/32.png) [@Chris\_Borkman](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Chris_Borkman)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 5:34pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/deck-plates-in-foam-bulkheads/39983/4 "2012-08-08T17:34:28Z")

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Of course you can just buy float bags for the bow and stern.