Tempress Access Hatch

[Alansails]

Back in 2011, there was a discussion about adding an access Hatch to the port side lazarette from the head , it was added to by Jesse, PaulJ, Rpwilla, and others. I want to know how this has worked out for you as we are contemplating adding this in the spring.
The hatch size is 13 X 23 to add more access/storage.
The current product is the IMTRA spa-40205
size is cut out 10 3/4 X 20 1/2
Is that about what size you used, I am not near the boat to measure so I would like to get this ordered to get the project done before launch.
Comments? would you do it again? how long did it take you?
Much Thanks

 

[rpwillia]

I don't remember the size, but it was the biggest one I could find at the time that would fit. Could not imagine life on the boat without it, really a great upgrade.

 

[paulj]

Witzend started this years ago............this simple idea is in the top 5 things to do.
We use the door all the time.

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/inaccessible-space.131347/#post-834757


paulj

 

[topcat0399]

Have you ever felt the need for a way to lock that???

 

[Alansails]

This is on my to do list this spring, Do you remember cut out size or which one you bought?
I could not think of a reason to lock it on our boats as that would be high up and the two clutches must be solid for closing.

 

[marchem]

Have you ever felt the need for a way to lock that???

On the C310 it's mounted in the head, so security is not an issue.

FYI: Amazon carries the Tempress 13x23" hatch for a reasonable price and Prime delivery. On my list of upgrades to do.

 

[Alansails]

Ordered it from Amazon, Will give it the install next weekend, while boat is on the Hard.
I will let you know how it goes!

 

[marchem]

Ordered it from Amazon, Will give it the install next weekend, while boat is on the Hard.
I will let you know how it goes!

Pictures for sure. I'm interested in the horizontal location you pick for it.

 

[rpwillia]

Have you ever felt the need for a way to lock that???

There is no need for a lock if you lock the lazarette hatch and the hatch to the boat cabin and there is no need.

 

[Alansails]

Am Going to go to the boat 2.5 hrs away to do the hatch this week, , Any ideas on how long the #12 screws were? Trying to be efficient..

 

[marchem]

Am Going to go to the boat 2.5 hrs away to do the hatch this week, , Any ideas on how long the #12 screws were? Trying to be efficient..

I bought a box of 1", but that may be longer than needed.

 

[paulj]

I bought a box of 1", but that may be longer than needed.

The most important part of this job is the butyl tape.
If you are using self taping screws .......after cover is installed with screws you can come back and cut the screws to length .
I used a wood strip for the screws to penetrate into.

paulj

 

[marchem]

The most important part of this job is the butyl tape.
If you are using self taping screws .......after cover is installed with screws you can come back and cut the screws to length .
I used a wood strip for the screws to penetrate into.

paulj

Nice idea of the wood strip for support. Does it really need butyl tape? Are you expecting water in the lazarette? Just wondering. I'm a fan of Maine Sail's butyl tape, just don't know if it's necessary here.

 

[paulj]

We use the shower a lot..........so it looks right to add the butyl tape also makes job look



paulj

 

[Alansails]

Great Suggestions...
Much Thanks!!!
We will use Butyl Tape as we also will use the shower!
Good Idea about the wood strip!

 

[rpwillia]

1/2" screws should be fine.

 

[Alansails]

YEAH!, Yesterday was the day that the hatch was installed and it went well, we bought 3/4" screws for the install as we were going to use a backer but we did not as the fiberglass was thick enough to support without it. The area created an opening that was awesome, I am very glad I did the hatch project it will add More storage for sure. The project took about two hours to get done.
Thanks for all the information and guidance that was a big help!

 

[rpwillia]

You will like it more and more as time goes on.

 

[marchem]

Agreed!! Very useful upgrade. Pretty easy to do.