Hatch Boards

[picklefreek]

Looking to replace my hatch boards (1973 23' convertible) and looking for some imput. Is there a reason why there are three seperate boards? Can I just use the three to make a jig and make one big one? (Thinking there is a reason why they are this way, just can't figure out why). Also going to make one out of plexi so when I am in it for the weekend, I can have light come through. Any thoughts?

 

[svey]

The smaller the better

I don't know about you but the smaller they break down the easier it is to store them away on my boat. The 3 sections store behind the step in the cabin.

 

[Mike]

Another vote for multiple pieces

not only are multiple pieces easier to store, they also give you more flexibility while underway. For instance, if the weather gets a little rough, you can put in the bottom piece to keep rogue splashes from coming down the companion way while still keeping the hatch open for ventilation.

 

[Mike4116]

Three easy pieces

Chris:Stick with the three board configuration. As Mike said you can put in the bottom section for vagrant splashes to keep water out of the cabin. I have seen several boats with the center piece made from lexan/plexiglass to let light into the cabin when the boards are in. I had a small boat with a single hatch board and it was not as easy to store as a three piece set. If you do make one from plexiglass be sure to put the sun darkening film on it or else you'll roast the inside of the boat and will have no privacy when it's dark out.Mike

 

[jeff]

hatch boads

I have a 26 ftr. and we have the plexi 1 piece for the hatch and I agree it is a pain in the neck to store but does let in the light. So I believe a 3 piece set up with the center made from plexi is a good idea. Howeve would you make the boards from solid teak or marine grade ply with teak veneer , I ask because I would also like to change the hatch way to something more along the line of original equipment

 

[Russ20666]

I used

1x12 quarter sawn douglas fir for the three hatchboards as the previous owner had used plywood and they delaminated very badly.Planed them down to about 3/8" thickness before cutting to length. Made a cardboard template of the hatch as (believe it or not) the hatch is not symmetrical side to side. Then I just divided the cardboard into three equal parts and cut out the three boards.Red mahogany stain, twelve coats of epifanes varnish and viola' custom fit hatchboards. I store them under the cabin cushions when underway so they are completely out of the way. Russ

 

[Ric Shultz]

2 pieces

I did mine in two pieces. Done in 1/2 inch clear plexi and love it.