Widgeon foredeck hatch addition

[DabbyDuck]

Hello all!

I am looking to add a hatch to the foredeck of my 1974 Widgeon. I was wondering if there was any experience with this modification? For the life of me I can't seem to find any record online of such a thing.

With that, I was wondering what the inboard side of the foredeck looks like? I am considering a large-ish hatch to span the centerline of the boat. I was thinking a hatch large enough to get a battery for a trolling motor, sailbag, small cooler, etc through. I would like to know if there are any structural members, etc underneath before I cut anything open.

As it stands, the boat does not have hatches on the bulkheads near the mast, so I wouldn't hate adding those too.

Any thoughts, comments, concerns are appreciated!

 

[Sunbird22358]

There is basically just empty space under the deck. I'll post the dimensions of the factory optional access hatches below. The one concern I would have with adding a hatch on the top of the deck is the crown (upward curve of the deck). I found a picture of what the compartment under the deck look like (not my boat, I found pictures on-line). Also found a pic of the Lexan covers that one owner made for the openings.

 

[Claybury]

IIRC, there are some molded in ribs inside to stiffen the deck. You should have a deck plate near the bow. If you open this up you can get a mirror inside to have a look. I think some of the boats came with a larger hatch on the deck. It was offset from the centerline to avoid the crown problem.

 

[BDuchon]

I believe this is a 74 Widgeon. Added hatch front and rear. Installed battery in front compartment and mounted trolling motor on back.

 

[Sunbird22358]

1970 not 1974, deck layout is first clue, 1970 was last year for the original design, 1971-83 had molded in seats and a forward deck, It appears that your boat is Class# 1608 or 1808? 1608 would be a 1969 model (mine was Class#1791 and built in 1969) 1808 would be a 1970, probably early 1970. Attached picture show a 1974 model. Your boat does look pretty nice, after your refurb!