Beckson hatches. Anyone ever use them?

[Chris Patterson]

The title of the post should say most of what I'm asking. I have no hatch on the fore deck whatsoever, and have had little luck finding one second handed. So, I sort of like the looks of what I'm seeing in Becksons ads, and a little apprehensive as well about trying to put a flat hatch, on a slightly curved fore deck. So ideas, and comments would be much appreciated.

 

[jrowan]

The C 22, even as early as as a 76 year model shoud already have a forward hatch installed over the V birth area. I wouldn't think that there's even room on a small deck & cabin top to install another hatch. I would consider installing a solar powered Nicro type vent or a cowl type dorade ventilator first, as they would be less intrusive. A hatch is a big hole to make in your boat's deck, which can weaken it. Also all hatches usually have a specifically molded in lip at the outer perimeter & small drainage scuppers at the lower corners molded into the fiberglass. I think you'll find it difficult to find anywhere on the deck or coach roof to install the flat hatch frame on a rather curved deck of a catalina. I guess you don't have one of the "pop-top" models?

 

[Chris Patterson]

No sir, no pop top, and I kinda dislike that. My last one did, and truthfully, I thought they all did. Evidently not. No big deal though, this boat has just been a project, and I won't keep it long probably, (already looking at much bigger boats....again).
Regardless, this boat does not have a forward hatch at all, the entire foredeck has been replaced in the past, with no hatch. The fellow that did the deck work did a relatively decent job, and left room for the addition of a hatch. He basically built "rafters", or "joists", (tabernacle?) under the deck, you could park a truck on it. And I put in one of those screw in deck plates where I took out that stupid chain pipe, (had to do something with the hole), and under it, installed a 4" muffin fan that actually works WAY better than expected.
However, the warden said hatch. And so hatch is my objective. If possible. So, with all that worthless information, does it sound feasible?
And thanks much for the feedback/info.

 

[jrowan]

Oh I'm sure that its feasable, and certainly worth installing a hatch for the inproved venting & access to the V berth. Your P.O. replacing the forward deck explains where the original hatch opening went. That's why its worth hiring a pro sometimes. Look at the expense u will shell out to rectify his mistake. Anyway, I would look for a hatch the hopefully comes with a permimeter frame that can be cutomized to fit the curvature of your deck. Lewmar are the best in my opinion. If they don't come with a curved base plate-frame, the U could always make or pay to make a frame out of teak or glassed over marine ply, etc.