We (me, my wife, and our daughter) are in the process of upgrading our Hunter 30 for long term cruising, and are seeking suggestions, and ideas. Does anyone know where I can purchase a fiberglass cover that protects the companionway hatch from water intrusion? Also, any ideas on how we can re-arrange the nav area? With its current(orginal)setup we have seen many people just mount their toys to the headliner, but we are looking to make a nice navigation instrument panel. Space is just limited. Any other interior suggestions would be great as well.
- Status
H30 update
If you're taking about the fiberglass cover that you see on some boats just forward of the hatch, I believe you will need to make it yourself. IMHO a sheet of 1/4" plywood (marine or exterior), some fiberglass cloth, epoxy resin and Bondo will get the job done. You cut the plywood into the shape you need and drill small holes along the edges. Remember to give the edges of the closed end (forward end) a sloop angle of about 10 to 15 degrees. This will sloop the sides. You use a stitch and glue method by using small plastic tie straps to hold the pieces together. Bondo the edges inside and out to seal the edges. Then, cut the excess plastic wrap material when the Bondo sets and sand. Cover the seams with fiberglass cloth and seal with epoxy resign. You attach the hatch cover to the coach roof with stainless screws, fair the edges with Bondo, sand and paint. It's about that simple. Notice I said "about." I have used this method to build a dinghy and other projects and it works great. The way you finish the project, the amount of fairing and sanding you do, will determine the way it looks. You can take it to a local boatyard to get a professional finish unless you know how yourself. I cut the nav table on my H30 to level it. We find that we need counter space more than we need a nav table. And, I put our microwave on it. I spread charts on the dining table and keep the instruments in the racks. Other than the main VHF, all electronics can be attached to the pedestal rail. If you don't have one, you might find an inexpensive mount and rail on ebay. Sandwiched into the starboard locker in the head is dead space. Unless you have an A/C unit in there, or you have found it already, it offers some additinal space when a hatch is cut out. It is just above the slot forward of the starboard settee. Next, at the forepeak, there is a little extra space behind the bulkhead. I have seen a small oval (about the size of a football) cut into it. You might gain enough space for shoes, but I don't believe it is worth it. The only other option I have considered is building in shelves and a small cabinet forward of the range. I have seen pictures of someone (not on this site) who sacrificed some of the starboard settee and added extra cabinets. Other than that, you can hang gear nets from the overhead handrails, but you probably know that. Have fun, and fair winds.
If you're taking about the fiberglass cover that you see on some boats just forward of the hatch, I believe you will need to make it yourself. IMHO a sheet of 1/4" plywood (marine or exterior), some fiberglass cloth, epoxy resin and Bondo will get the job done. You cut the plywood into the shape you need and drill small holes along the edges. Remember to give the edges of the closed end (forward end) a sloop angle of about 10 to 15 degrees. This will sloop the sides. You use a stitch and glue method by using small plastic tie straps to hold the pieces together. Bondo the edges inside and out to seal the edges. Then, cut the excess plastic wrap material when the Bondo sets and sand. Cover the seams with fiberglass cloth and seal with epoxy resign. You attach the hatch cover to the coach roof with stainless screws, fair the edges with Bondo, sand and paint. It's about that simple. Notice I said "about." I have used this method to build a dinghy and other projects and it works great. The way you finish the project, the amount of fairing and sanding you do, will determine the way it looks. You can take it to a local boatyard to get a professional finish unless you know how yourself. I cut the nav table on my H30 to level it. We find that we need counter space more than we need a nav table. And, I put our microwave on it. I spread charts on the dining table and keep the instruments in the racks. Other than the main VHF, all electronics can be attached to the pedestal rail. If you don't have one, you might find an inexpensive mount and rail on ebay. Sandwiched into the starboard locker in the head is dead space. Unless you have an A/C unit in there, or you have found it already, it offers some additinal space when a hatch is cut out. It is just above the slot forward of the starboard settee. Next, at the forepeak, there is a little extra space behind the bulkhead. I have seen a small oval (about the size of a football) cut into it. You might gain enough space for shoes, but I don't believe it is worth it. The only other option I have considered is building in shelves and a small cabinet forward of the range. I have seen pictures of someone (not on this site) who sacrificed some of the starboard settee and added extra cabinets. Other than that, you can hang gear nets from the overhead handrails, but you probably know that. Have fun, and fair winds.
hatch cover
I took mine off, didn't like the looks. Its the original cover that the hatch slides under. I evern had it gel coated. All I have is the cover not the two pieces of teak that it sets on. steve 904 910-1453
I took mine off, didn't like the looks. Its the original cover that the hatch slides under. I evern had it gel coated. All I have is the cover not the two pieces of teak that it sets on. steve 904 910-1453
Ideas
Mike & Steve, thanks for the thoughts! As far as the hatch is concerned, I am just looking to make the most practical, and dependable decision. More than that though, I am looking into long term cruising, so I need to have the hatch as water tight, and secure as possible.
Mike & Steve, thanks for the thoughts! As far as the hatch is concerned, I am just looking to make the most practical, and dependable decision. More than that though, I am looking into long term cruising, so I need to have the hatch as water tight, and secure as possible.
Is this what you are looking for?
Is this what you are looking for in a hatch cover? A dodger might do both. Also chart table has two burner stove under the lid.
Is this what you are looking for in a hatch cover? A dodger might do both. Also chart table has two burner stove under the lid.
Ian do you have other pictures
Ian, Is this your boat in the picture or one at a local marina. I am trying to make a dodger and bimini. I like the looks of this one with the attachment between the dodger and bimini. Can you take more picture of side profile and attachment points for the dodger and bimini? Carl
Ian, Is this your boat in the picture or one at a local marina. I am trying to make a dodger and bimini. I like the looks of this one with the attachment between the dodger and bimini. Can you take more picture of side profile and attachment points for the dodger and bimini? Carl
note to Carl
Carl Go the the photo forum section. I posted a couple of pictures on this site. I have larger ones that the site would not take. If you have any questions, email me at imcgain@griffinmail.com Ian s/v Meant to Be
Carl Go the the photo forum section. I posted a couple of pictures on this site. I have larger ones that the site would not take. If you have any questions, email me at imcgain@griffinmail.com Ian s/v Meant to Be
- Status