Any suggestions on what material to use to cut new hatch boards?
Wood or plastic?
Any recommended makers of this item?
Wood or plastic?
Any recommended makers of this item?
1983 hunter 27 cabin Hatch boards
- Thread starter wheelsteering27
- Start date
1/2" thick smoked acrylic would be my choice as I have it on our boat. Let's in the light but keeps the drafts out.
If you're into hobby woodworking, the acrylic is nice to work with. If not, take your old hatch boards into a plastic supplier and they'll be able to fabricate new boards using your old ones as a pattern.
Ralph,
Where did you get the acrylic?
I put in the Nicro solar-powered vents several years ago and re-did mine so I could install one of them in a hatch board without touching the original ones (one in v-berth hatch to draw air in and one in the hatch board to draw it out - not a total solution). I used oak veneer plywood from a local big box store and the veneer is now peeling since I didn't stay on top of the varnish.
I like the look of the wood, but am considering plastic since it's maintenance free.
Where did you get the acrylic?
I put in the Nicro solar-powered vents several years ago and re-did mine so I could install one of them in a hatch board without touching the original ones (one in v-berth hatch to draw air in and one in the hatch board to draw it out - not a total solution). I used oak veneer plywood from a local big box store and the veneer is now peeling since I didn't stay on top of the varnish.
I like the look of the wood, but am considering plastic since it's maintenance free.
I got the acrylic from a place here in Richmond B.C. called Industrial Plastic and Paints.
http://www.plasticsandpaints.com/
Afraid that won't help you back in Virginia. Google plastics in your area and I'm sure you'll find an acrylics retailer. Most of these places will do the fabrication but, as I said, if you're into hobby woodworking and have the carbide tools (table saw, router, drills) you'll save some money and this stuff is a joy to work with.
This s the first project we had to do on the Stargazer.
Looked rough when we got her.
Made a temporary out of plywood for the trip home.
Bought some exterior PVC board cheap from Lowes. Traced the old boards, cut to size, and routed the edges so they would fit the tracks on the companionway, also routed top and bottom of each board so that the new boards overlap 3/4"
Went to the boat to check the exact height to trim the top.
Finished Hatch.
Ps: The PVC board is quite messy and dusty when routing. Please wear a mask and eye protection.
Hatch boards replacement
Great idea and weatherproof; thank you for sharing your work.
Yes, I like the idea also. And I know where Lowe's is. ;-)
Ralph: Thanks for the response, good to know I would need carbide bits, but also that someone might fabricate it for me.
One more for the long list. <sigh>
Ralph: Thanks for the response, good to know I would need carbide bits, but also that someone might fabricate it for me.
One more for the long list. <sigh>