PMD deck plates - when and where?

Builder's Forum
1

After a winter hiatus, I’m finally working on my Passagemaker again and hoping another builder can offer some advice about the deck plates.

  1. Is there a trick to cutting the holes after the bulkhead is installed? Looks like a major hassle to me; sure wish I’d thought to do so before bulkhead install.

  2. Is there any downside to locating the plates on the fore and aft seats (like the Take-Apart version)? I ask because I’ve not installed the seats yet :slight_smile:

Thanks in advance,
Ken

2

With the right tools it’s not bad. Make a pilot hole and cut with a bonsai saw or something similar. It’s the same technique as cutting out hatches in kayaks. Just use a very sharp saw and take your time.

Personally, I would not recommend using a power tool unless you’re truly an expert with it. There’s too much chance of it getting off the line and messing everything up. A bonsai saw, as shown in the picture, is perfect.

The slower you cut, the less chance of tear-outs and straying off the line. Budget an hour to keep from getting rushed and be happily surprised when you’re done in less than half that time.

PM_cutting-inspection-pt-hole
PM_cutting-inspection-pt-hole600×350 38.6 KB

Laszlo

3

Thanks Laszlo, I’ll try the bonsai knife. The CLC website says “Deck plates should be mounted in the boat only AFTER painting and varnishing is complete”. I plan to CUT the holes now so I can clearly see any tear-outs on the bulkhead (before the view is obstructed by the seats), then install plates later. Still wish I’d cut them earlier :).

4

Still wish I’d cut them earlier :).

Next boat :slight_smile:

5

When we built our PMD take apart (lug rig), we put the forward 6" circular deck plate just forward of the mast support girder and the after one in the bulkhead as specified. I’m now wishing I’d but the after one in the top as well, as there is rarely anybody sitting there and a simple seat cushion or foam pad would fix that anyway. I’m now thinking that, as I begin to store some gear in there, that locating the access plate on top would have a better chance of being above water if I needed to come at something in a hard chance.

In fact, I’m now wishing we’d gone with 8" plates, and I’m even giving some thought to putting in modest rectangular hatches fore and aft. Would that weaken the structure? “This bears further investigation.”