I am curious if anyone has any experience/knowledge with domed hatch covers. I am looking to replace the only hatch on a Bristol 27 with a hatch cover that has a dome in order to provide forward visibility while holed up down below. Off shore cruising is in the near future. My questions/concerns: 1) Is it a good idea? 2) Does anyone make one/ know where one could find one? 3) Would a dome of 1/4" lexan take the pressure of crashing green water? (I've found manufacturers that will make domes up to 1/4") It seems like thicker would certainly be better. I would never consider a sheet of lexan that thin, but as a dome?.... Thanks in advance for your valuable insight, comments, and amusing anecdotes! Edit/Delete Message
domed hatch cover
- Thread starter lbdavis
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seems ok
A dome is not going to have to withstand the force a cabin window would. I would certainly want to have a shutter for the opening should the dome fail. Others have used this idea. Perhaps you could track down some skippers who have gone this route and find out their recomendations. Google works wonders sometimes.
A dome is not going to have to withstand the force a cabin window would. I would certainly want to have a shutter for the opening should the dome fail. Others have used this idea. Perhaps you could track down some skippers who have gone this route and find out their recomendations. Google works wonders sometimes.
A bit off the topic, but, a dome isn't too
terribly hard to make out of plexi or lexan. I've made many while working in a plastic shop as a young man. Just heat a sheet of lexan to about 250 or so degrees. When it is limp, clamp a ring of plywood around the edge and add compressed air from underneath. It is just like blowing bubbles. To preven marring of the plastic, we used felt between the table top and the hot plastic. There are many boat-building books that describe making a hatch. When it is all said and done, though, it is quicker to go out and buy a ready made hatch--too bad life is so damn short.
terribly hard to make out of plexi or lexan. I've made many while working in a plastic shop as a young man. Just heat a sheet of lexan to about 250 or so degrees. When it is limp, clamp a ring of plywood around the edge and add compressed air from underneath. It is just like blowing bubbles. To preven marring of the plastic, we used felt between the table top and the hot plastic. There are many boat-building books that describe making a hatch. When it is all said and done, though, it is quicker to go out and buy a ready made hatch--too bad life is so damn short.
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