Inspection port covers

Greetings. I'm new to the forum. I've recently repaired a Mirror dinghy which was originally constructed in 1975 (it actually has three little plaques on it from the North American Championships from the mid-70s). The interior has 4 inspection ports, none of which has its cover. The interior threaded diameter of the port is 4.5" with an overall port size (edge of flange) of about 6". Does anyone have, or know where to find/purchase, the appropriate covers. I would hate to have to remove and replace the entire ports.

Thanks,
Mike
Brighton, Michigan USA

Contact mirrorsailingdevelopment@gmail.com
They are the Canadian vendor for Mirror Dinghies. I am sure that Lorne Bellamy will be able to help you.
Pete

Thus far, I have not received any replies. I will try again, but are their other sources?
Thanks.

62816inBerlin's picture

Can you find any indication of the brand on the outer rings?
I ordered my mainsail from Trident in the UK and they stock most bits and pieces. Just looked at the catalogue and Holt-Allen seems to be the major supplier of hatches, but I doubt you'd get the cover alone as the complete assemblies are not exactly expensive items. Once you know the maker and model, you'd probably have to buy complete replacements and just use the covers. An alternative would be to look in any abandoned boats that are due to go to the landfill in your area (if any).
Cheers,
Gernot H.

I got a hold of a Mirror parts supplier in Ontario, CA - but I fear I cannot buy the covers without purchasing and installing all new ports (4 of them). As a temporary measure (for those in a bind), I found that the tops of the plastic Maxwell House coffee (a US brand) containers snap perfectly over the outer flanges of the ports. The edges of the lid sit flush against the inner hull. For sailing on small inland lakes, they should be fine for the short term. They are even of a beige color, which blends with the color of the wood stain!

PuffinInTegel's picture

Of course the snap-on lids are not as secure as screwed-in lids, but they'll keep the water out as long as you don't accidentally knock them off.
I lost the bunghole caps for the drain holes at the bottom of the flotation tanks years ago and found that the plastic caps of plastic sparkling-wine bottle corks fit perfectly. Being coloured, they are more difficult to lose than the colourless originals.
It shows that with a bit of imagination, one is able to effect a quick fix at virtually no price. After all, the Mirror Dinghy was intended to be a boat for those with a less well padded wallet!
Cheers,
Gernot

Gernot, I hope that you waited until you recovered from drinking all the sparkling-wine before you went out sailing. :->
Pete