I'd like to prop up the sliding lexan and fiberglass cover while we're at anchor for more headroom and better ventilation. Any ideas on how to hold it up securely so it doesn't come crashing down when a motor boat zips by too closely? Pics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Joyce
Sliding hatch cover question
- Thread starter Joyce13081
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Two Sticks
I cut two pieces of teak (you could probably use anything, I just happen to have alot of it laying about my garage from other projects) about 18 inches in length and put a stainless screw with about 1/4 inch sticking up at one end. On the underside of the fiberglass cover, I drilled two small holes about 1/4 inch deep in the wood out towards the end. when I want the hatch up, one stick goes on each side, the screw in the hole and the other end goes in the rain gutter on the top of the boat. Gravity holds everything in place, even when big jackhole motorboaters go by pretending not to see you at anchor. I tried working something out using those stainless hatch props you get from WestMarine, but this was much simpler, doesn't require cutting or modding the hatch in any way, and when I don't need the props they just get tossed in the ledges behind the seats. I'll try to remember pics next time I go out.
I cut two pieces of teak (you could probably use anything, I just happen to have alot of it laying about my garage from other projects) about 18 inches in length and put a stainless screw with about 1/4 inch sticking up at one end. On the underside of the fiberglass cover, I drilled two small holes about 1/4 inch deep in the wood out towards the end. when I want the hatch up, one stick goes on each side, the screw in the hole and the other end goes in the rain gutter on the top of the boat. Gravity holds everything in place, even when big jackhole motorboaters go by pretending not to see you at anchor. I tried working something out using those stainless hatch props you get from WestMarine, but this was much simpler, doesn't require cutting or modding the hatch in any way, and when I don't need the props they just get tossed in the ledges behind the seats. I'll try to remember pics next time I go out.
Poles
My boat has 2 metal poles for raising the hatch. You could also attach a halyard to the eye that your lock goes through and then raise the hatch with the halyard being carefull not to pull it too tight.
My boat has 2 metal poles for raising the hatch. You could also attach a halyard to the eye that your lock goes through and then raise the hatch with the halyard being carefull not to pull it too tight.
metal poles
Thanks for your response. Are the metal poles attached in any way? I like the idea of using the latch eye for added safety.
Thanks for your response. Are the metal poles attached in any way? I like the idea of using the latch eye for added safety.
yup
The 2 poles are attached to the under side of the hatch and swing out when you lift up. I have used the latch eye exclusively once when cleaning out around the hatch and it worked pretty well. It allowed me to open up the hatch even higher than the poles go. Id give that a try before trying to fabricate something. Just dont pull the halyard too tight. You could also tie a line around the boom and tie it off the the eye.
The 2 poles are attached to the under side of the hatch and swing out when you lift up. I have used the latch eye exclusively once when cleaning out around the hatch and it worked pretty well. It allowed me to open up the hatch even higher than the poles go. Id give that a try before trying to fabricate something. Just dont pull the halyard too tight. You could also tie a line around the boom and tie it off the the eye.
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