Crash Box Access

[SVNeko]

I have two completely sealed forward crash boxes. Although the boat doesn't seem to be riding low in the bows, some people have noticed water building up in their forward compartments. So I'd like to check mine. Also, I'd like to be able to access the back of cleats and padeyes. So in the locker immediately behind the crash boxes, I am thinking of installing a round 6" access plate up high along with a glued-in PEX or PVC tube at the bottom with a valve to drain it. Experiences or thoughts?

[GordMay]

Well executed, this should be a good idea.

[colemj]

Yep, what you describe doing is a pretty common setup.

Mark

[44'cruisingcat]

I'm wonder how water could build up in sealed compartments, unless they are leaking. (In which case they aren't sealed compartments.)

[ggray]

On our old cat there was a leak around a deck fitting that completely saturated the foam in the crash box.

I cut a hole for a deck plate so I could dig it all out. Cleaned it out, removed the water, re-bedded all fasteners, and installed the deck plate.

Keep it simple. I wouldn't install a drain unless I didn't think I could/would fix any leak.