knotthereelworld Posted March 21, 2019 Report Share Posted March 21, 2019 The standard bilge access panel is an approximately 8" wide circle on my '03 Redfisher 18. Has anyone enlarged this and replaced it with a larger panel for roomier access on their RF or MA? I can't imagine there being any structural integrity issues by making this space bigger. I found a rectangular one online that is 10" x 14." Would make any repairs I need to do in that area much easier. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justfish Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 Only issue is you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it way sooner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotthereelworld Posted March 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 3 hours ago, justfish said: Only issue is you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it way sooner LOL thanks. Just one of the many upgrades I'd like to make. Have only had the boat two months and it's only been on the water twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HewesYourDaddy Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 8 hours ago, justfish said: Only issue is you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it way sooner Yep, this has been on my list of things to do for a while. If someone can add a link to where they made a specific purchase, that might be helpful to anyone interested in doing this modification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limitless Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 I just got one of these from Amazon yesterday for $39 with free shipping. I'm installing it today so I'll have better access to install a new Lenco Actuator. I've had 4 other Redfishers over the years and done this with everyone of them. Dont know why MBC doesn't do it at the factory. Tempress White 1115 Cam Hatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purebred Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 Yep, did this on my MA and 2 other MA's that belonged to buddies. Best upgrade I did on that boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HewesYourDaddy Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 18 minutes ago, Limitless said: I just got one of these from Amazon yesterday for $39 with free shipping. I'm installing it today so I'll have better access to install a new Lenco Actuator. I've had 4 other Redfishers over the years and done this with everyone of them. Dont know why MBC doesn't do it at the factory. Tempress White 1115 Cam Hatch Post some pics when done. Which size are you installing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limitless Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 It's a 10.75" by 15" which provides an opening of 7.25" x 11.5". Also the hatch cover is removable. I'll put up pics of the install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 For sure a worthy time investment. I know several who have. Buddy just cut his out this week. I used a TH marine 11x19 hatch as did he. He said they have their sand colored one on sale for 65 bucks right now. First pic is of mine in a master angler from maybe 8-9 years ago and 2nd one is the one we did this week in a Hewes LT. The key is the lid has to be completely removable and would suggest do your work in the bilge before instilling the hatch rim. Every inch helps lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotthereelworld Posted March 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2019 8 hours ago, triplec said: I used a TH marine 11x19 hatch Thanks for the heads up on the TH Marine. I can see why fully removable is important. I just ordered this one online and used the Wikibuy code THPRO to get another $20 off of the order. Will be installing soon and will post pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HewesYourDaddy Posted March 23, 2019 Report Share Posted March 23, 2019 22 hours ago, Limitless said: I just got one of these from Amazon yesterday for $39 with free shipping. I'm installing it today so I'll have better access to install a new Lenco Actuator. I've had 4 other Redfishers over the years and done this with everyone of them. Dont know why MBC doesn't do it at the factory. Tempress White 1115 Cam Hatch I can't find that hatch at that price anywhere on Amazon. Do you have a link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limitless Posted March 23, 2019 Report Share Posted March 23, 2019 34 minutes ago, HewesYourDaddy said: I can't find that hatch at that price anywhere on Amazon. Do you have a link? Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001449G92/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all If you dont mind the sand color, the TH Marine that Triplec posted is even better for taking the "lid" off. I have my hole cut out and cleaned up and I left it open until I install a new Trim tab actuator today then I'llput pics on later today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limitless Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 please disregard. I'll try pics again later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HewesYourDaddy Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 37 minutes ago, Limitless said: please disregard. I'll try pics again later Are you putting the sand colored one on a white gel coat deck? If it doesn't look too bad, I may consider that color. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotthereelworld Posted March 28, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 51 minutes ago, HewesYourDaddy said: Are you putting the sand colored one on a white gel coat deck? If it doesn't look too bad, I may consider that color. I am. I'll post photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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