As I was crawling, snakelike, through the aft berth to reach that area in the very-most stern of the boat that we use for storage of lighter things like noodles, swim fins/masks, extra PFDs & the like -- sweating like a doomed coal shoveler on Titanic's maiden voyage -- I looked up to the heavens to ask God why I was doing this? While looking upward, however, I noticed the cabin liner stopped about 12"-14" from stern itself. I asked myself, "Self, why isn't there an access hatch to get into this area?!?!?" Were my prayers about to be answered? As I thought more about it, I could see no reason why I couldn't cut an access hatch into this area through the cockpit floor just below the tiller. I looked into the archives, but could find no mention of anyone ever doing this. Has anyone ever done this? Yes, I'm fully aware that cutting holes into a boat is never a great idea. However, as I understand it, we could pump our cabins full of water & the boat would still float -- albeit a bit lower! If I got a good sturdy, watertight access hatch with a pebbled surface, I think it would be a great idea. How often do you step on the cockpit sole under the tiller anyway? I'm not sure what size would fit there, but even 10" x 12" would allow you to reach down & get stuff a lot easier than doing your best imitation of Voldemort's Nagini. And apropos of the many threads there have been about getting more ventilation in the aft berth, I'm sure I could fashion a screen to drop over it at night to allow better flow of air. So what does the assembled, collective wisdom think? (Incidentally, I picked up a GREAT deal on a Beckson 4" x10" opening hatch for the cockpit & aft berth to get some light & ventilation in there. They are running an "overrun" clearance & I got it for $40. Even better for me, the factory is in Bridgeport, CT, which is about 8 miles from the beach off of which I'd left Grasshopper, so I had no shipping, just $2.40 sales tax. Link supplied below.) ~ Kevin
Mine works very well. My wife accidently broke a hinge so it doesn’t sit well when it is open, but once it is closed and latched, it seems to hold out most water. We found that unless we dump a bag full of lake water on it while we are rinsing the boat, it keeps most water out. Even then, it is just a little bit of water (not enough to be a major problem) that drys quickly in the heat we have down at the lake. I did trim the carpet in the back that goes into that area to keep any water from soaking up into the carpet and spreading into the berth. I plan on replacing the seal this winter and possible the door if I can find a replacement door. The hinge broke on the right corner on the door part, so all I need to replace is the top door part. Finding the same one will be the challenge. As for the lazeretts, yes, I have a stainless steel lock on each. I love them, as I keep my boat cleaning supplies, throw lines, air horn, etc. in the port lazerett, and my fuel tank is permanently stowed in the starboard lazerrett. The ONLY problem with them is they sometimes reach out and grab an ankle from time to time. It has only taken two or three whacks to remember they are there.