I want to replace the hatch boards on my Oday 272 which are currently teak plywood and have started to rot at the bottom. What alternative materials have others used? Does anyone have suggestions for suppliers of material for hatch covers including teak plywood and any other apprpriate materials.
Hatch covers
- Thread starter bajgause
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Marine grade plywood
I made new hatchboards for my Oday from marine grade plywood. I looked into teak veneer plywood, but it was so expensive, that I bagged that idea quickly. You can stain the plywood to look very similar to teak. I polyurethaned them without stain, and it looks just like high-gloss varnish on oak. I had to order the marine grade plywood from a local lumberyard because Home Depot doesn't carry it as a stock item, and they also didn't want to special order it. Check around for the best price, as I found there was a significant variation in price from place to place. I also considered using this polyethelyne stuff called "Starboard." It is a plastic building material that comes in sheets that you can cut and work like wood. You can find it in the West Marine catalog and I bet lots of others. I suppose that hatchboards made of it would last forever and never need maintenance. I decided to go with the wood because I didn't think plastic hatchboards would look as neat. I must admit that everytime I look at my wood boards and they need refinishing, I second-guess that decision.
I made new hatchboards for my Oday from marine grade plywood. I looked into teak veneer plywood, but it was so expensive, that I bagged that idea quickly. You can stain the plywood to look very similar to teak. I polyurethaned them without stain, and it looks just like high-gloss varnish on oak. I had to order the marine grade plywood from a local lumberyard because Home Depot doesn't carry it as a stock item, and they also didn't want to special order it. Check around for the best price, as I found there was a significant variation in price from place to place. I also considered using this polyethelyne stuff called "Starboard." It is a plastic building material that comes in sheets that you can cut and work like wood. You can find it in the West Marine catalog and I bet lots of others. I suppose that hatchboards made of it would last forever and never need maintenance. I decided to go with the wood because I didn't think plastic hatchboards would look as neat. I must admit that everytime I look at my wood boards and they need refinishing, I second-guess that decision.
marine plywood
the difference in marine ply and regular exterior ply is that in marine grade they dont allow any voids. The glue is the same, so for any use above waterline the exterior grade is usable. I replaced my hatch board on a 222 with a window unit I made of teak and plex.
the difference in marine ply and regular exterior ply is that in marine grade they dont allow any voids. The glue is the same, so for any use above waterline the exterior grade is usable. I replaced my hatch board on a 222 with a window unit I made of teak and plex.
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