Measure twice, cut once, especially when it comes to your boat’s water tanks. Here the access port has been cut out.

From the first sailors who took to the sea, water stowage has always been linked to the success or failure of a voyage. Coconuts, ceramic vases, wooden barrels have all been used to keep water on board from leaking out and safeguarding it from contaminants. Today, modern plastics help do that job, but knowing how much is in the tank and being able to clean it out of algae residue, sand, and other non-potable substances remain an issue on many boats.

SAILjazz member Scott Nielsen recently tackled the task of installing an access port for the water tanks in his Hunter 30 Artemis. Here’s how it went.

"Having been a submariner for years and seeing the inside of the potable water tanks on the sub full of algae growing up to two feet long, I wanted a means to be able to view, inspect, clean, and know the water level of the 32-gallon tank on my boat."

The access port installed with the sending unit in the batter’s box.

"I chose a Beckson clear view access plates and a XINTEX LLM-1 tank system. First came obtaining the materials and lining up the tools. I used a drill, Skill saw, Sharpie marker, and RTV gasket sealer. I placed the access ports at the desired location and marked them for the cutting out, including the mounting bolts. After cutting the hole out with the saw, it was time to drill the mounting bolt holes. I used stainless steel bolts and locknuts with nylon washers to prevent galvanic corrosion between the aluminum and stainless."

"Next came placing the sending unit and marking its cutout and mounting bolt hole pattern. I then installed the access and sending unit, using RTV as a gasket sealant, drilling that hole for the gauge and mounting it at the desired location. Finally, came wiring the sending unit and the gauge."

Voila!--A way to check for debris that has gotten inadvertently washed into the tank and electronically monitor the level.

"The project took me a few hours. I’m meticulous in my planning/location selection and especially the wiring. I bought my inspection ports at West Marine and the XINTEX gauge and sending unit over the Internet. The total parts cost was around $120 and I was actually surprised at how clean the inside of my water tank was. After cutting the access holes, all I found inside was about half a cup of sand--not bad considering the years of filling the water tanks. In any event, I hope this helps any who are looking to do a similar project."

Have a project you have a few pictures of and would like to share with fellow sailors? Send them to cboyle@sailjazz.com