Cutting a Front Hatch

[BungalowBill]

I was reading about Nicro Solar Vents on another post and I want to install one on my Hunter 28. I was thinking of cutting it into the front hatch window. Has anyone out there cut one of those windows, if so what did you cut it with? I am open to other placement suggestions, any ideas? The boat is new to me so any cutting is sort of scarry. Thanks in advance.

 

[Scott]

hole

Just did it a few weeks ago. I outlined the hole using a compass with a scribe on it instead of a pencil. Drilled 4 holes at 90 degrees inside the line - then simply used a sabre saw with a relatively fine tooth blade. The plastic will tend to melt and fuse a little behind the blade, so just cut again and the piece will fall out.Scott"Common Ground"

 

[Landsend]

mine is behind the forward hatch on my 28.5

I figured why not also have the benifit of it while the hatch is open.

 

[seadaddler]

On my 290

I used a hole shaw that did a very good job just go slowso as not to get it too hot.It was $20.00 but does a very nice clean job,put maskingtape over the hatch so not to scratch the plastic hatch,use silconesealer no water problem.I did not want to drill any other holes in the boat,the hatch is safe andeasy just take your time.You will love how fresh it keeps the boat smelling,get the night and daywith battery.Nick

 

[John Denison]

If you use a hole saw...

Start out in reverse until you are down a bit into the plexiglass. Once you are below the surface start cutting in the normal direction. This will prevent the teeth from chipping the plexiglass. I have installed my fan in the front hatch and it works very well.

 

[BungalowBill]

Thanks for advise

Thanks for the all the tips, I'll be trying it soon.

 

[John11936]

Changed

My vent was in the front hatch and the lens cracked. Moved it to the small hatch behind the mast. Center of the boat and at a higher level. Just make sure the hatch lever can swing and not hit the vent.