Making an Engine Compartment Floor Hatch Thing

S

surferguy001

Seaman
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
70
the floor hatch (or whatever it is called) to access my engine in my boat is all rotted out, and needs to be replaced. It was origanly just stained wood, but i want to make it a litter nicer this time.

I want to cut out a sheet of wood to the right size, and then fiberglass it. The dimensions are roughly 4'x5'x1/2" ... should i use fiberglass cloth or fiberglass mat? I know that the wood will absorb some of the resin, so does anyone know about how much resin a project like this will need? One more thing, should i sand it when its finally dry, like you normally would with other projects? I want it to have some texture so its non-slip, but i dont know. Thanks everyone...

(sorry it was kinda long to describe)
 
B

backyard mechanic

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
203
Re: Making an Engine Compartment Floor Hatch Thing

I had a similar issue with my 1987 24' Searay. I made a new box but I made it a hair bigger so I could put that aluminum covered foam insulation on it for sound deadening. The box was done with MDO plywood and then painted with EZPoxy paint. Looked real nice when done.

Can't see where a fiberglass resin would hurt any, sanded or not. Just remember that when you seal up both sides of wood with moisture in it you get dry rot quick. Id seal up the outside and let the inside breathe.
 
pete44

pete44

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 7, 2005
Messages
189
Re: Making an Engine Compartment Floor Hatch Thing

Its called a "dog house" and that bugger is heavy....Be nice to when it is rebuilt it could be lighter and stronger.I think it is all 1/2" ply...I too will be installing the soundproof.

Pete
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,065
Re: Making an Engine Compartment Floor Hatch Thing

4' x 5' is fair size and I would build a few braces into it...... 1/2" would be thin for that size and you might want to opt for thicker and even add in an aluminum cross brace of two.

Got pictures?

A non slip coating will not be hard to do at all and there are quite a few methods and products to use.
 
S

surferguy001

Seaman
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
70
Re: Making an Engine Compartment Floor Hatch Thing

sorry, i have been trying to upload it but for some reason it wont allow me to...
 
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