ODay 28 - Adding a Hatch in Main Salon

[Karen]

My husband just ordered a hatch to add to our main salon. It will be located between the boom vang and mast. Has anyone out there accomplished this task? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

How big is the hatch?

Karen -INstalling a hatch is not a big deal. Cut the hole, clean it up, add sealant and bolt it home. Look out for wires as you cut.How big is it, though? I would not want to put a big hole in the overhead because I would be worried about chaging the way the hull loads when sailing. ALso, depending on how the boat flexes, you may suceed in popping the hatch out of the deck. Make sure the hatch is fairly small and you ought to be all set.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Karen]

Thanks, Justin

The hatch that we have on order is 12X12 inches. That is the minimum clearance needed to use our air conditioner. My question back to you would be: How does one determine how the hull flexes under sail? Thanks!

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Flex

Karen -I don't know your boat, but I wouldn't be all that concerned with 12x12. I was more concerned with some boats I've seen here where people have been installing tons of big decklights to try and emulate the new hunters and catalinas.Still, make sure you don't cut through any electrics or you make the job that much more annoying.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Art]

prevent leaks

when we shopped for our boat (34') I noticed that all the 34's had evidence of leakage around the deck hatch. The hatch was a factory option.The problem for the 34 is that the mainsheet deck block attaches just aft of of the hatch and probably causes the deck to flex around the hatch. I solved on ours by stiffening the deck aft of the hatch with a teak "bridge" 3" high which spreads the load and stiffens the deck. I put it on top of the deck because there wasn't enough headroom to add it uder the deck.I'm not familiar with the 28 deck layout but you should see if there are any high load areas near the hatch location.