Louver Door Insert

[DriftwoodNOLA]

Back in the day . . . 30 years, my 1980 Hunter 36 was/is outfitted with plastic inserts to hold the louvers in place. All original interior cabinet doors (3 pr) are fitted as such. I suppose that scheme was labor saving. Well, I lost one to the louver companion way board.

The new teak builders must be using CNC machines to cut the groove in the wood to hold the louvers in place because they've never seen anything like the photo:

Anyone seen anything similar??

Thanks all

 

[rardiH36]

Hello Driftwood:

My 36 had the louvered companionway hatch board as well when I purchased it 5-years ago. However the louvers were in bad shape in the settings. I prettied-up and saved the teak frame but replaced the louver space instead with a smoke plexiglass sheet. (The removed louver slats themselves have mixed many a can of paint! A pity I know.) I had reservations about the modification from the original, but really I haven't looked back at the decision with any regret.

Presume that you are planning to restore your hatch board with the louvers?

From the pic of the hatch board on your port lazerette seat, I noticed the access plate on the left. I have one in the same position for peering inside to see the fuel gauge. Good to know that this plate is a Hunter factory feature.

rardi

 

[rardiH36]

... From the pic of the hatch board on your port lazerette seat, I noticed the access plate on the left. I have one in the same position for peering inside to see the fuel gauge. Good to know that this plate is a Hunter factory feature.
rardi

Driftwood:

Re my previous post, I got it wrong about your access port plate location. Your photo perspective is not of the port side of the cockpit, but of the aft lazerette/seat behind the helm. I don't have a port plate there. What is yours for?

rardi

 

[DriftwoodNOLA]

rardi . . .

U had it right the first time . . . fuel gauge. Well, right about the fuel gauge. But this access is for the shelf that supports the rudder post. Some PO put a 'box' there for additional storage.

I'm still wondering where I might find the insert??

I don't suppose you saved those inserts??

 

[rardiH36]

Hello Driftwood:

No. The receptical notch piece for the slats not saved.

Actually too long ago (well five years ago anyway). And with so many repair/maintenance/upgrade project with my "new" boat, I don't recall at all the details of the original. Sorry.

I don't have a close-up picture of my plexiglass replacement for the louver pieces. But the attached is an indication. The original teak wood frame is painted metallic gold. Heresy I know. So I converted the gold to metallic green!

 

[rhythmsurfer]

You can have mine if you want. It will be available this fall. I have the H36 1981. The hatch has three pieces. The louvers, then a thick piece of lexan, and then solid wood at the bottom. I will be replacing all of them this fall. I will keep the lexan as a secondary insert to use when overnighting so I may see out.
Tony

 

[DriftwoodNOLA]

Rhythmsurfer,

Great . . .

I recently replaced the louver slats and I really want to keep the weathered look to the companion way. And I imagine you can see how the louver board can fail, from the back; inside (if yours is like mine).

So, I'm wondering if you could disassemble the board to rob the louver 'inserts' and just send those. International freight is expensive.

Let me know,

Thanks

Tom
s/v Driftwood
Panama, the Pacific side

 

[rhythmsurfer]

Let me use the hatch boards as a pattern this fall (Baby due in 4 weeks soo I'm a little strapped for time and money)and I will just mail you the entire louvered hatch board.