Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate Review

Let’s Talk About Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate is a seemingly simple, yet incredibly essential piece of equipment for any boater or marine enthusiast. Beckson is a name synonymous with quality in the marine hardware world, and this deck plate promises easy access to critical compartments while maintaining a watertight seal. After years of battling ill-fitting, leaky access points on my own boats, I decided to give this product a try.

I was constantly frustrated with the flimsy, cracking deck plates that came standard on my older fishing boat. They were constantly letting water into the bilge, and made accessing pumps and wiring a huge chore. I needed a durable, reliable solution, and the Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate seemed like it could be just the ticket.

The deck plate arrived simply packaged, but the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the material. The plastic felt thick and robust, definitely a step up from the cheap replacements I’d used before. Its smooth surface offered a clean, unobtrusive look.

Compared to other options like screw-in deck plates or hinged access hatches, I chose the Beckson pry-out plate for its simplicity and potential for a truly watertight seal. Screw-in plates can strip over time, and hinges can corrode. A pry-out design with a quality O-ring seemed like the most reliable option. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It looked well-made and promised to solve a persistent problem, but the real test would be its performance on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate on the forward deck of my small center console fishing boat, providing access to the anchor locker. The installation was straightforward, requiring only a hole saw and some sealant. I primarily tested it during coastal fishing trips and some rougher bay crossings.

In both calm and choppy conditions, the deck plate performed admirably. Even when waves splashed over the bow, no water leaked into the anchor locker. The plate was easy to pry open with a flathead screwdriver, even with wet hands, giving ready access to the anchor rode. I did find that after the first use, the rubber o-ring seal needed a little silicone grease to easily reseal.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of regular use, the Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of cracking or discoloration, even with prolonged exposure to sun and saltwater. A quick rinse with freshwater after each trip is all it takes to keep it clean.

The plate still seals tightly, preventing water intrusion and maintaining a dry anchor locker. Compared to the leaky mess I dealt with previously, this Beckson plate has been a significant improvement. It’s proven to be a durable and dependable solution for accessing essential compartments on my boat.

Breaking Down the Features of Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate

Specifications

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate boasts the following specifications:

• Outer Diameter: 8-1/2 inches. This provides a generous surface area for sealing against the deck.
• Hole Cut: 6-1/2 inches. The required cutout is a standard size, making it easy to replace existing deck plates.
• Passage: 6-3/16 inches. This refers to the inside diameter of the opening.
• Center: Smooth. Offers a clean, uncluttered appearance.
• Color: White. The classic white color blends well with most boat decks.
• Manufacturer: Beckson.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the size of the access point and the compatibility with existing installations. The generous outer diameter ensures a good seal, while the smooth center prevents dirt and debris from accumulating.

Performance & Functionality

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate excels at its primary function: providing watertight access to compartments. Its tight-fitting O-ring seal effectively prevents water intrusion, even in challenging conditions. The pry-out design is simple and reliable, eliminating the risk of stripped screws or corroded hinges.

The plate’s strengths lie in its durability and ease of use. It could be improved with a slightly more aggressive gripping surface for easier prying when wet. Overall, it exceeds expectations for a simple deck plate.

Design & Ergonomics

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate features a straightforward, functional design. The materials are robust and UV-resistant, ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh marine environments. Its light weight doesn’t add unnecessary burden to the boat’s structure.

The smooth center design is aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean, but it can be slightly slippery when wet. There is virtually no learning curve, pry it open and have full access.

Durability & Maintenance

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate is built to withstand the rigors of marine use. The UV-resistant plastic prevents cracking and fading, while the durable O-ring maintains a watertight seal over time. Minimal maintenance is required – simply rinse with freshwater after each use to remove salt and debris.

With proper care, this deck plate should last for many years. Replacement of the O-ring might be needed eventually, but these are readily available.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate is a self-contained unit and doesn’t require additional accessories for basic functionality. The primary consideration is selecting an appropriate sealant for installation.

While not specifically designed for customization, some users may choose to paint the plate to match their boat’s color scheme. It is also compatible with aftermarket deck plate keys for easier removal.

Pros and Cons of Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate

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Who Should Buy Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate?

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate is perfect for boat owners looking for a reliable and watertight access point to compartments. It is especially well-suited for those who need to access these areas frequently, such as fishermen, recreational boaters, and sailors. Anyone replacing old, leaky deck plates will appreciate the Beckson’s durability and performance.

This product may not be ideal for applications requiring frequent and rapid access, where a hinged hatch might be more convenient. It’s also perhaps overkill for small, infrequently accessed compartments where a simple screw-in plug would suffice. Essential accessories would include a quality marine sealant and perhaps a deck plate key for easier prying.

Conclusion on Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate

The Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate is a well-designed and durable product that delivers on its promise of a watertight seal and easy access. At a price of $26.01, the cost is absolutely justified by the quality and performance you receive. After having battled leaky deck plates for years, the peace of mind this Beckson plate provides is invaluable.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to any boat owner in need of a reliable access point. If you are tired of soggy compartments and unreliable hardware, the Beckson Marine 6″ Smooth Center Pry-Out Deck Plate is the solution you’ve been looking for. Replace your old deck plates today and get ready for stress-free boating.