installing hatch

[Barry]

I would like to install a 17x17 hatch between the companion way and the mast centered over the cabin. The last one I installed was on the bow of a Columbia 23 and ended up cutting the wires leading to the bow lights OOPS. Is there anything I need to be careful of. My mast steps on the keel (H30 1975 vintage). Will this weaken the cabin top?Thanks for the replies in advanceBarry

 

[Jay Hill]

Refer to Your Owner's Manual

Your Owner's Manual should have a wiring diagram in it.

 

[Ed Schenck]

And Jay's right but...

here's some additional info. The Hunter manuals are online and here is the address of your electrical diagram: "http://people.ne.mediaone.net/tlyons/tdl/hunter/pg39.JPG". No quotes, of course. It looks like the wires come from the port side on a line just a few inches aft of the mast. And properly installed the hatch should actually strengthen the cabin top. My boat(37C) has one half-way between the mast and the companionway.