Hatch Boards

[Cool_Change]

Am making new hatch boards for my h27 and replacing current wooden ones (which I think I'll keep for winter storage) with 1/2" plexiglass.Looking for suggestions/experience though on whether I should just use a bevel on the horizontal seams between the boards or a rabit cut? Am thinking a rabit cut as water can still have a tendency to seep "uphill" if I were to bevel....Thanks, Scott

 

[Steve Dion]

Keep them small

Scott:I suggest that you keep them small. Plexiglass tends to be very heavy. The larger pieces also become a chore to store.Our H'31 has 5 sections and one of them is plexiglass. We do not have any problem with water with the beveled surface.

 

[gary8041]

where did you find it

scott were did you find the 1/2" plexiglass. thank Gary

 

[Cool_Change]

Source...

Obtained the plastic (Acrylite) at a place called P&A Plastics in Hamilton, Ont. They appear to be an industrial supplier but will also deal direct with the public and make just about anything you want.I elected to just buy the sheet from them and cut and finish myself (saving about 1/2 the cost)...$145. They included a book which described how to work with it..."much like wood it says"...well sort of. I cut the pieces tonight with my tablesaw and had a heck of a time. The sawdust (in this case plastic) tends to melt onto the blade causing it to lose balance and bind. Am going to go with a rabit joint (will hide minor deviations in the edge better than a bevel) after a trip to the store in the morning for a new bit. Wish me luck!Scott

 

[Cool_Change]

Small...

Am going with 3 boards, each about 12" high...its a size that will fit well into the starboard locker and I think be ok weight-wise.Thanks...