Inspection Plate Installation for 
Servicing the Upper Rudder Gudgeon

Submitted by Craig Cook

I installed a 6" Beckson "screw-in" deckplate in order to access and service the upper rudder gudgeon. 

Parts included: Beckson Deck Plate - $8.00; SS hardware (six #8 x 1/2" round head screws); Boatlife caulk.  

I chose the screw-in versus the pop-in plate because it was easier to use. The plate screws in and seals with an "O" ring gasket. The frames are available in black or white, screw in plate is now available in matching black or white, or clear or smoked if you choose (I used all white for frame and plate). I centered the opening under the Catalina emblem and between my fold down drink holders. 

The initial plan was to drill a 1/2 hole and use a saber saw. The blade I had at the boat was too long and hit the transom. So I went to plan "B" which was to use a single handle hacksaw. Even the fine tooth blade I had was too coarse. The fiberglass in that area of the cockpit is thin and difficult to saw. I ended up drawing a line around the outside of the plate base and drilling a series of holes every 1/4" or so....then used the drill as a Dremmel tool of sorts, with the side of the drill bit cutting through the material between holes. I'm sure a real Dremmel would work much better, just GO SLOW. 

I use a medium semi-round file to smooth out the edge. You will either need to make the hole big enough or to bevel the edge to match the bevel on the deckplate.  I marked the screw holes with a pencil, drilled them with a 1/8" bit. I put a generous bead of Boatlife on the underside of the deckplate lip, installed it in the hole and just snugged up the mounting screws. This allows access to the upper rudder gudgeon. I installed a 1/4" plate aluminum backing plate and replaced the 1/4" screws with bolts and locknuts.

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Craig Cook
Catalina 25, #1442 tall rig/swing keel
"COOKEY"