Hatch opening direction

[RAD88]

This might be a silly question but I always thought the V-berth hatch opened towards the bow and the cabin hatch opened towards the stern. I would guess this is for thru ventilation. As far as I can remember this is what I remember seeing. I just saw a 30'er with the cabin hatch facing the bow. Is there any extra advantage to this. Maybe when hanging on a mooring or anchor the wind is forced into the cabin? Maybe its more common than I realize.

 

[mcrow33]

The cabin hatch on my Endeavour 32 opens forward. Which makes it useless under sail because the boom vange prevents it from opening more than a inch or two. I'm sure they put it that way to catch the breeze while on a mooring or anchor. I haven't decided if I am going to turn it around so I can open it while under sail.

 

[Maine Sail]

Our v-berth and cabin hatch both open in reverse and we actually prefer it as the boat stays drier in foggy or rainy conditions yet we retain air circulation less the vast majority of the moisture..

If we sailed in a drier area I might flip the hatch around but a couple of Bora Caframo fans work well for the direct air experience and they remain blowing all night, even if the wind dies, as it did last night..

With a companionway open it probably matters little which way the main cabin one opens as the v-berth hatch will enter there and exit at the companionway..

 

[RAD88]

Well, I was just thinking that a forward facing cabin hatch might force more air into the cabin at the mooring or at anchor just like the V-berth hatch does.

 

[QuikAg]

Our Newport has fwd opening for both V berth and cabin. I hate the direction of the cabin hatch. Interferes with the vang when sailing; the vang has to be kept loose and dangling when at the dock; and the asymmetric design of the hatch makes reversing the hinges and latches impossible.
Marty Besant
Newport 30-3 Margarita
RCR Skyway Marina Buffalo NY

 

[Tim R.]

Being at a slip with the prevailing summer winds from astern I can see a good reason for aft opening cabin hatches.

Both of our large hatches open forward which works well for us when at anchor. The marina is usually too bright and noisy for open hatches anyway so we use the AC at the slip.

Our Lewmar Ocean hatches have an opening position that will allow air in while raining without soaking us. We also have 2 smaller hatches under the dodger that can be left fully open int eh rain and fog if needed.

 

[Auspicious]

Three of my four hatches open aft. At anchor with the three aft-facing hatches open and the companionway slide open as well we get exhaust from the hatches and intake down the companionway. I think the vacuum caused by wind over the dodger creates suction, but I know that is the way the breeze works.

I rarely use the forward opening hatch -- it seems to disrupt the flow of air.