Sliding plexiglass hatch

[SFKjeld]

When traversing the deck, can I safely stand on this cover? I normally keep it open, but can see it would be nice to have that extra space when dancing on the deck. Also, if I wasn't in such a panic about getting my sails down last weekend, I should have closed the hatch and companion way.

I tried stepping on the cover lightly yesterday and it definitely flexed a lot. Didn't have the courage to put my full weight on it.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Do not stand on the Plexiglass or it will break and someone could fall thru and hurt themselves not to mention the cost of replacement.

 

[SFKjeld]

Do not stand on the Plexiglass or it will break and someone could fall thru and hurt themselves not to mention the cost of replacement.

Thanks Dave! Had that feeling... I still think the real estate on the cabin top is more of a benefit than the light in my cabin. Are there alternative hatch covers that can withstand the weight?

 

[MIKEHUNT23]

Thanks Dave! Had that feeling... I still think the real estate on the cabin top is more of a benefit than the light in my cabin. Are there alternative hatch covers that can withstand the weight?

Ours came already broken. Considering fabricating aluminum frame with plexi inserts.
Ideas?

 

[SFKjeld]

Ours came already broken. Considering fabricating aluminum frame with plexi inserts.
Ideas?

I like it! Except my better half will prob not approve the "investment". I would settle for a solid cover and no inserts.

 

[Chief RA]

I used Lexan as It will not break. It is susceptible to scratching though. Chief

 

[SFKjeld]

I used Lexan as It will not break. It is susceptible to scratching though. Chief

looks promising, def cheap. Do you have a pic? Would love to see it.

 

[Chief RA]

Re: Sliding lexan hatch

Just go to your local glass shop with your old slider and have them cut you a new one in green or smoke tint. I went 1/4" to keep cost down but they gave me the scraps and I could reinforce all around if I needed to. I did front companionway insert as well as the top slider. (My acrylic 1/2" slider was broken when I bought the boat, burglar attempt.) Really nice! Chief

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Chief;

regardless if plexiglass or lexan, it is not meant to be stepped on as I have seen both break with weight on top.

 

[SFKjeld]

Chief;

regardless if plexiglass or lexan, it is not meant to be stepped on as I have seen both break with weight on top.

Whoah, well there goes that idea!

 

[Chief RA]

Dave: All due respect, but a plastic designed to stop bullets does not break. You can deform it with enough impact(bullet?) but if it breaks you have another type of plastic. Get you a real piece of Lexan and try to break it! That is what is used for bullet proof windows in high security automobile windows such as the limo used for the President.
Of course I still would not recommend walking on it as it is also more flexible than acrylic and scratches easier. Its elasticity is what keeps it from breaking.
Chief, IE,plastics minor

 

[Stu Jackson]

With that sliding hatch open, there is a HUGE HOLE right on the cabintop, a disaster waiting to happen. I asked Kjeld to ask this question because when I visited with him earlier this week I saw it as a dangerous situation. Chief's idea has a lot of merit. At the very least, if it can't be walked upon, I recommend that he at least close it so he doesn't fall three feet down into the cabin!

Thanks Dave! Had that feeling... I still think the real estate on the cabin top is more of a benefit than the light in my cabin. Are there alternative hatch covers that can withstand the weight?

That's where I would go ITWMB. The cost of a hospital stay would be a LOT more than a new hatch.

 

[SFKjeld]

With that sliding hatch open, there is a HUGE HOLE right on the cabintop, a disaster waiting to happen. I asked Kjeld to ask this question because when I visited with him earlier this week I saw it as a dangerous situation. Chief's idea has a lot of merit. At the very least, if it can't be walked upon, I recommend that he at least close it so he doesn't fall three feet down into the cabin!
That's where I would go ITWMB. The cost of a hospital stay would be a LOT more than a new hatch.

Hah, it never dawned on me that it was an issue until Stu mentioned it the other day. This, despite the fact that I did a back flip (slowly), into the cabin on my Potter 15 a year ago. But yeah, think I'd like to be able to walk on the cover if possible.

And now it seems I may be able to use a material that I can walk on, and at the same time, hide behind in case I find myself in a gun fight. Bonus!

 

[Chief RA]

All jokin' aside: if we were in a foreign port it could be a life saver to have bullet proof hatch covers! Real hard to get inside also. Chief

 

[kloudie1]

Probably should go as thick as there is room for.. The slider on the 34 is 1/2" thick acrylic (plexiglass) about 28" between the side supports.. I don't walk on it, but it has been walked upon by folks lighter than me with no damage. Just getting ready to replace the 30 year old original this spring.
The problem with Lexan is that it is very susceptible to UV damage unless coated.. Hard to find thick, coated and scratch resistant lexan.

 

[SFKjeld]

All jokin' aside: if we were in a foreign port it could be a life saver to have bullet proof hatch covers! Real hard to get inside also. Chief

Wouldn't a bullet pierce the fiberglass cabin like butter? Maybe a bulletproof life jacket would be a better choice for those foreign ports.

 

[Chief RA]

Claude: SPF40? Chief

 

[Chief RA]

SFKjeld: press up close to that Lexan! Chief

 

[donavansails]

Plexiglass will break if stepped on . I have a 1985 hunter 23 I step on it near the side and it cracked at one of the screw holes at the back and ran almost all of way the the front two weeks ago it is only 3/8 thick plexiglass.

 

[Brian M H23]

I would much rather step on the open panel, hear it crack, and react, than step into a hole

$0.02