Oceanis 321 replacement material for companion way?

[Matauman]

So a few weeks ago some kids looking for a beer, my guess, broke into my boat by removing the vent on the companionway and smashing the wood up a little bit in an attempt to unlock the companionway lock.
I've ordered the vent from Beneteau online, what a great shop, but I'm thinking of replacing both pieces of wood as they're 20 years old and a little rough around the edges. Would you recommend Coosa board? Any suggestions would be welcome. I have access to a wood shop so I can replicate virtually any material.
Thank you,

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You definitely want 1/2" light smokey acrylic rather than wood. Privacy and lets in lots of light. If you've got access to a wood working shop, you've got it made. Make it into three boards for easier storage.

Acrylic is not difficult to work, just keep the speed high, the tools sharp, and the pressure low. All tools should be carbide. Nice to router the bottom and top edges to 45 deg. to keep the rain out. Also can be planed with reeeeeealy sharp blade on the 1/2" edge.

 

[Matauman]

Ralph, great suggestion thank you. The wood looks nice but it's really not practical, although I do have a Sunbrella cover over it it just seems around the edges it gets funky. You live in a beautiful city.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You live in a beautiful city.

We believe it's the most beautiful place on earth ............... on both days it doesn't rain .

 

[Ron20324]

my 2006 323 has the acrylic. Did you look at the B parts site to see if there are acrylic panels for the 321?

 

[Matauman]

Ralph,
Too funny, we moved from the Midwest to Texas and were surprised when people down here would smile at the thought of rain, we've been known to go outside with the grandkids and dance in the rain.

Ron, thank you for the suggestion I had no idea that the newer boats had acrylic panels and would definitely be a heck of a lot easier just to order replacements from Beneteau. They really do have a great system for replacement parts, I wonder if the newer model hatches would fit on my boat. I'm sure Ward Richardson will know.
Thank you gentlemen,

Fred

 

[Ron20324]

Ron, thank you for the suggestion I had no idea that the newer boats had acrylic panels and would definitely be a heck of a lot easier just to order replacements from Beneteau. They really do have a great system for replacement parts, I wonder if the newer model hatches would fit on my boat. I'm sure Ward Richardson will know.

I can measure my 323 so you can compare. Too hot today, maybe tomorrow early? If not exact, at least get you a couple of pieces to trim down?

 

[Ron20324]

Ron, thank you for the suggestion I had no idea that the newer boats had acrylic panels and would definitely be a heck of a lot easier just to order replacements from Beneteau. They really do have a great system for replacement parts, I wonder if the newer model hatches would fit on my boat. I'm sure Ward Richardson will know.

Okay, so it is 95 on my balcony and 103 in the car. But I figured I'd do one for the Gipper and go to the boat to measure the crib boards. Nex time I'll take my boat keys so I can open the hatch. In spite of the brain melt, the top board is 24 wide. the bottom of the lower board is 19.25. overall height is 25 5/8 H. Of course the boards are tapered . I suppose the new boards would be drilled for the lock, or maybe even have a lock installed. OKAY, BACK TO YOU, FRED.

Stu, you're next.

 

[MtnMike]

We replaced our cabin door with StarBoard from Industrial Plastics. While we were at it, we replaced all the other exterior wood with Quadrant_GP-POM plastic. Industrial Plastics ripped the round material into half-rounds for us. It's all very strong and no more maintenance required.

 

[Matauman]

Ron, thank you very much for measuring your hatch I'll trade you in temperature though we're breaking triple digits here in Austin. I really appreciate you taking the time and I'll measure mine to see if that would work.

Mountain Mike thank you too.
I like the idea and the material sounds like it could be the right product. we have a good plastic shop here in town and it's a little warm outside so that may be a better way of going about it just bringing them the hatches and have them cut to fit. I really like the pictures.

Gentleman thank you very much ,

I'm quite jealous that I'm landlocked in a freshwater lake and you guys both have the benefits of massive amounts of saltwater to sail. I'll trade the effects of saltwater for the improved territory.

Fred