deck hatches

[ray21]

after finishing the removal of all the wood in my bayliner cobra, i'm at the point now where i will begin the rebuilding. i have several design changes in mind to make the boat more user friendly and that make more sense than the original layout.<br />one of the changes is to try and come up with at least a semi-waterproof solution for the 2 back deck hatches. the original design consisted of 3/4" plywood strips (maybe 3" wide) mounted under the deck for the hatces to rest on all the way around. i will definitely add some sort of weatherstripping, and i'm thinking about replacing these strips with something that has a channel in it, and drilling a couple small drain holes, maybe with a drainage line of some sort.<br />has anyone managed to rig up some sort of design like this??? or does anyone have any ideas? i don't want to pay $60 a pop for waterproof hatches, but i do want to minimize the amount they let in.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: deck hatches

You don't say where the hatches are or what kind you want. If possible and practical, put them under the splashwell where no one treads on them. They will last a lot longer. If you have to put them where folks walk, build frame support around the hatch area thats tied to the stringers/frames or rests on the hull so the floor can't flex and sag there.<br /><br />If you are using the cheap plastic 10-14" round hatches, use the soft plastic models that you flip open with a screwdriver, not the rigid plastic ones that screw on. The latter can seize up and be nearly impossible to open.<br /><br />Whatever you install, bolt it on through the plywood (use something rigid as backing under the plywood plus washers) instead of using screws. Use nylon locknuts and put some goop on the threads and they will stay pretty tight and won't lossen up if the deck gets wet (plus they can be retightened)

 

[ray21]

Re: deck hatches

i'm talking about hatches or lids to access the storage on the back deck...with hinges on the side that lift up. the originals are plywood with a plastic sort of cover on the bottoms and a vinyl around the edges of the ply. carpet on top... i guess i should have said its a 19' fish/ski, and the lids are compartment lids are flush on top of the back deck.<br />i will be cutting the hatch lids using the old ones as templates, because i want to reattach the plastic cover and vinyl strips. i'm just looking to come up with some sort of system to keep them from allowing too much water into the storage compartments. i know that no hatches that are cut out of the deck will be waterproof...just trying to cut the leaking to a minimum.

 

[crab bait]

Re: deck hatches

i know exactiy what your're sayin'.. the channel idea sounds like a good one .. i see alum. channel all the time in good hardware stores.. try it .. won't cost much to build one an see.. don't need to get fancy,,but you can.. silicone the corner joints. put drain line ( siliconed in ) in the aft so as to drain when on plain.. keep me informed.... i like it !!