Water Tank inspection access

[riggear]

I want to cut inspection ports into my 2 fresh water tanks. They are fiberglass built in to hull. Epoxy lined I assume. Would like the access big enough so I can get in and scrub, bleach etc.
Very little info in books.

Any suggestions or advice?

Thank You

[Captsteve53]

[url=http://www.seabuilt.com/]Seabuilt - -Access Plate Systems offers off the shelf inspection ports in aluminum and stainless steel, I'd choose the latter for a water tank. They are relatively easy to install, however, where GRP tanks are concerned, if the sealing surface where the port is to be installed is too rough or uneven, it may require some profiling with thickened epoxy, making a leveling shim of sorts. OR when fitting on a rough tank top use 5200 (or similar) type product,

OR- screw out round inspection ports

Try not to use the cheaper type plastic screw out ports , but the stronger non ferrous types are good providing easy future access. The cheaper clear plastic types have the possibility to break/leak - and some will bring up the point of if holed in the water tank area you need the security of a good quality inspection port to stop any possibility of water ingress(for me very unlikely!)

Cheers Steve

[Lepke]

With chlorine added to the incoming water the tanks should be self cleaning. Organisms will always find a way into your tanks. With a decent set of filters you'll never taste the chlorine.
I'm 70. Been on the water in one way or another since 7. I never found it necessary to clean water tanks in ships or boats unless they had to be entered for repair.
My water tanks are mild steel and about 45 years old, no access and no need. I've had them tested several times and I have excellent water.