I'd really like to hear how many builders feel a relief hole is necessary. Have many builders who do not (or just didn't) have relief holes experienced problems like reported in the first post of this thread. Just think this is an oppertunity to get a handle on the various issues of 'ari-tight' compartments in various conditions and experiences. Like condensation, vacuum, etc. Paul's wine cork idea is as usual creative and practical. But I wonder at least 2 things: Is a relief hole of some kind always 'recommended' in 'all' weather conditions and boat conditions: And it seems to me that if it is that the 'best' method is just a 1/32" hole (barring some unique 'valve' of some kind which I can't imagine). I like the cork idea, but don't understand it value over the simple 1/32" hole. I mean if the cork is in an approx. 1/2" hole but has in itself a 1/32" hole, what is the point in the cork? If the cork is to allow for opening a 1/2" hole on occasion, what is the point of this larger hole sometime (To 'release' a 'stuck' hatch. This seems ok, but dosen't allow pressur adjustment at any time except when a problem is noticed (like the original post - and maybe not as soon as would be desirable ) or when one 'can't get the hatch off'. Anyway none of this is all that earth shaking, but it is such a basic issue I though it would be aservie to the board to have the men here contribute to get he best answer available and have it be the way we can know from now on with some confidence that it is the best thinkng and experience can do. Sort of like hey, Yes it is always a good 'idea' to epoxy and glass you boat and here are the options and concerns.

Joe

Rod,

: You are right-on with the small hole. No need to get more complicated than
: that. I think many of us use 1/32, but 1/16 is fine.

: Sam