esimmers
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 15, 2010
- Messages
- 170
Because I started this topic, I figure I'd better report on my installation of a 4" round screw-in deck plate onto the 20-gallon water tank in my 2009 Hawk. The 4" deck plate I bought is from West Marine, model 11743028. It has a clear center and, most of all, has an 'O' ring so it doesn't leak.
I used my Dremel tool to cut the hole. There was a bit of black stuff inside the tank as you can see but it wasn't too bad considering I've been using water from the tank for 9 years.
Just in case you were wondering what's inside the tank, here's an interior photo of the tank wall with all the fittings. The fill and vent fittings are at the top. The drain fitting is lower left. The water intake is the long fitting lower right. The other items are the sensors for the water level monitor.
I used a bead of 100% silicone to set the ring. Since the tank is thin, I was looking for a back place to put inside the tank to hold a screw or bolt. I didn't have any luck finding a back plate so I used small pieces of UHMW polyethylene inside the tank to capture the screw threads.
After letting the silicone cure overnight, I filled the tank with water. I discovered that a lot of pressure can build up inside the tank if the fill hose is running more water into the tank than can escape through the vent. Gotta be careful not to overfill. At first there was a bit of a water leak around the center cap because I only hand-tightened it. One I got out my trusty deck plate wrench and was able to turn the center cap an extra quarter turn, there's been no leak.
I've sanitized the tank and am ready to head out for the weekend. I'll report back if there's anything to add.
I used my Dremel tool to cut the hole. There was a bit of black stuff inside the tank as you can see but it wasn't too bad considering I've been using water from the tank for 9 years.
Just in case you were wondering what's inside the tank, here's an interior photo of the tank wall with all the fittings. The fill and vent fittings are at the top. The drain fitting is lower left. The water intake is the long fitting lower right. The other items are the sensors for the water level monitor.
I used a bead of 100% silicone to set the ring. Since the tank is thin, I was looking for a back place to put inside the tank to hold a screw or bolt. I didn't have any luck finding a back plate so I used small pieces of UHMW polyethylene inside the tank to capture the screw threads.
After letting the silicone cure overnight, I filled the tank with water. I discovered that a lot of pressure can build up inside the tank if the fill hose is running more water into the tank than can escape through the vent. Gotta be careful not to overfill. At first there was a bit of a water leak around the center cap because I only hand-tightened it. One I got out my trusty deck plate wrench and was able to turn the center cap an extra quarter turn, there's been no leak.
I've sanitized the tank and am ready to head out for the weekend. I'll report back if there's anything to add.