mounting hatch bow support (adj screw type)

[mrbill]

Hello,I am about to mount a perko adjustable hatch support on my 88 26D.I'm looking for advice from those who have installed them, or have it installed. FYI, the top of the support is gimbaled, to mount under the hatch. the base has only a vertical swivel capability, it can only move in a plane, not multi direction.Note: a wedge is required to mount the base in a 90 vertical plane. (which I have made).I was going to mount the base rearward, so I could tru bolt the base to the FG opening. However the opening of the hatch requires this mount to also move outward, (Not in a vertical only plane)so, I have moved the base forward, (as some recommend), which fixes the rotation.... However I cannot thru bolt the base, only screw into the fg hatch. (and wedge).to those that have this already installed.... will a screw installation hold up?how did others install their bow hatch supports?thanks. bill in ftl.

 

[Marty26d]

Hatch Support

About to do the same to mine....Just fiberglass a wooden plug to the inside of the fiberglass...so you have something to screw into without mungging up the glassBest of luckMarty26D

 

[mrbill]

access to inside of hatch

the design of the bow hatch will not allow access to the inside of the hatch lip... thats why I'll need to just screw it in...I could squeeze some thickend epoxy in there, but think the lip is about 1/2" thick, which should be ok... (?)on the top (rear) of the hatch lip, the flare is such that a bolt and nut could be used, and all installed from the cabin... however, the radius of the hatch arc will not allow the mounting of the support at the rear.MY issue is how the #10 screws will hold up under vibration, and load of the hatch...

 

[Dana M26D]

I've the same boat and hatch support...

but have been holding off on installing it. I've fiddled with it several times and still can't settle on whether to use it or not. I think the best installation could be with the base aft and the hatch end fwd. Either way the hatch will no longer be able to completely open onto the deck.The support rod will come apart and let the hatch fully open, if you remove the brass stops. However, the locking screw will then be biting directly on the chrome rod. It would soon look pretty shabby.I've been holding off on installing it in hopes that I'll find a better design with a quick release. If I use it I'll likely just file down a flat spot on the hatch coaming and screw it in with some 2-part epoxy in pre-drilled guide holes.I too am very interested in a reply from anyone who's installed one.

 

[mrbill]

mounting base aft

I have looked at mounting the base aft, and it would work, if I used about a 1" block on the base. the hatch connection would also have to be more towards center, possibly into the wood reinforcement. the need for the wider base, it to conter the change in arc when the hatch opens. opening the hatch moves the leading edge inwards, rather than directly up, in a single plane.not wanting to reduce clearance has me thinking of moving the base forward...