12 Meter Express HUGE Access Hole

[tcollins2]

12 Meter Express, I found this today hidden behind by cushion. Starboard side behind the helm seat. Project started as just getting the cushion redone. Now I have this. I always wondered why I was getting so much water into the bilge after a wash down. Need to decide to close it up for good, make a removable panel out of it, any other ideas. One other 12 meter owner says he has the same thing so this could be a factory made hole? I think since it's there I'll caulk in a piece of Azek or Starboard in case I need to get in there again. Second since the boat was switched over to diesel and the blower was removed, I think I can do away with these dryer vents.

You can see that there are smaller slotted holes running horizontally. I assume this was the original way to fasten the cushion. Now at some point someone put in those stainless hangers. I will have to plug up those holes as well.

[P-Dogg]

I would never in my life permanently close up an access hole. And even though you moved from gas to diesel, you would still benefit from ventilation to remove heat generated by the engines, thereby reducing your air conditioning load, and to reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

I recommend thst you turn this hole into an asset for future use.

[prowlersfish]

Diesels need more air then gas .

[comodave]

Very few caulks will stick to satrboard. If you caulk it, the caulk will fail and it will leak unless you use Sudbury Elastomeric Marine Sealant. You still need mechanical fastening.

[tcollins2]

Thanks for that tip. I have never used starboard before. I like Azek. Far less expensive.

[DOUGNASH]

Hi

I would definitely keep those access panels, do not seal them permanently

I used 1/2" starboard for mine and just secured them with SS screws

More importantly DO NOT remove the blowers from your engine room

Like it was mentioned, air is very important with these big diesels

I see you are in Huntington, I am just on the other side of the island on the South Shore in Freeport

If it is hot out like above 75-80 degrees, my blowers are ON all the time when I am running the boat

Just my .02

[tcollins2]

When I bought the boat the blower was already removed, might have been in the way of the diesel installation, the wires are coiled up and zip tied to the bulkhead.

[DOUGNASH]

I would re-install them

If you scroll through my 13 meter upgrades" thread, it shows where I installed mine

Also if you have "dry" turbos, those puppies get way hot

Find a place to mount it, I installed 2 in my engine room, one on each side