Sliding hatch head bumper

[Windtherapy]

OK so as we all know the head room in an O'Day (or at least my 26') is just shy of 6 feet. I have been working on the boat all summer and most of the time I remember to duck but sometimes I just bash my head on the aft edge of the sliding hatch top and really skin my head (doesn't help to be bald). :cry:

So, just curious if anybody has created a pad of some sort on that aft edge that can really knick a person AND something that doesn't have to be removed when closed and the hatch boards are in.

I end up looking like former Russian President!

 

[Steve L22188]

Swim Noodle?

Not sure this would work - but could you trim and cut one of those swim noodles and fix it to the hatch? Or pipe insulation? Just a thought.

 

[woodster]

how about a hard hat on your head

 

[Ted]

How about a big sign that says DUCK.

 

[Ward H]

I feel your pain but don't have an answer other than scar tissue.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I tie a small string with a cow hitch to the handhold on the edge of the hatch. It's a gentle reminder. You could also use red tape.

 

[Joe]

I sure hope this thread generates a viable solution to the head bump scenario..... You Cat 27 owner's will know the place I'm talking about... the ledge where the hatch ends and the deck begins... geez .. what's really bad is hitting ledge with the little button at the top of the cap you forgot to take off.....it's like a hit from a ball peen hammer.

 

[hewebb]

Small sign that says

"BASH HEAD HERE"

 

[Head Sail]

I try and always wear a hat with an air pocket above my head. That way I get just enough warning to avoid the bump.

 

[Windtherapy]

Thanks for the ideas. I guess I will just get a small diameter rubber tube and slice it on once side and just push it on that sharp edge.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Is there any reason why you can't take a sander to the sharp edge and round it off? You will still bump your head, but it should save some skin.

I had a similar condition with a teak headboard leading into the forward berth. It had sharp edges that really caused some pain. Fortunately, I was able to take out about 3 inches in the center to make it a much improved arched opening and I rounded the edges so no more pain.

 

[Windtherapy]

Is there any reason why you can't take a sander to the sharp edge and round it off? You will still bump your head, but it should save some skin.

I had a similar condition with a teak headboard leading into the forward berth. It had sharp edges that really caused some pain. Fortunately, I was able to take out about 3 inches in the center to make it a much improved arched opening and I rounded the edges so no more pain.

I could but I think it would still skin my head. I just took a piece of 1/4 inch rubber hose I had and sliced it right down the center and pushed it on there and it works great. Should have done this within a week of buying the boat. If it doesn't stay on I will use 4200 and glue it on.

 

[Roadking Larry]

If you guys weren't so dadgum tall you wouldn't have problems like that. Long time ago I decided that 5'7" was an ideal height that keeps me from bumping my head most of the time. Try it and see for your self.

 

[Deadhead]

Make a couple of monkey's fist that hang down about 6". You will knock them first.

 

[jssailem]

It is Darwin's theory in action. Survival of the fittest. You will learn the art of ducking or die on the sole of your boat bleeding in the companion way.. ;>)

 

[capta]

Couldn't you just glue a nice piece of leather over the offending edge, to take the cut out of a collision? Simple, elegant and not offensive looking, but you'd still want to learn to duck, sooner or later.

 

[Gene Neill]

How about a big sign that says DUCK.

Reminds me of an old episode of Tweety and Sylvester ....