I put your question to catsailor.net but despite 3 replies probably didn't get the answer you wanted, and posed more questions on who designed what! cheers, QB2

Quote 1: "I can't confirm if there were any differences between a USA built and Aussie built 5.2, but I can conform that my 5.2 only has four inspection openings, not six.

2: Inspection ports are often added to effect repairs...check beams and dagger casings.


3a: My first 5.2 # 1607, mid 70's had two ports in each hull,one just behind front beam,one midway rear beam and transom.
As stated in other posts, people do put ports in to suit repairs etc, but the manufacturer really should be consulted beforehand.
aah, aah, Happy Memories,
pete

3b: The American 5.2 had only "one(forward hand) on trapeze", the Australian had "two on the wire", I believe the Americans may have changed to the Aussie system later.
As always the aussie built boats were the best.(in my opinion).5.8,-,5.2,-,5.0,-,4.5.
The boats that Ross designed, here in Brisbane, were copied by the US, (Sirocco, 4.5, 14sq,16sq,Inter17)
pete