Foredeck hatch for Wayfarer

MADRIGAL

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Has anyone ever installed a hatch through the foredeck to get better access to the storage space in the fore peak of a Wayfarer? The boat is GRP, but I would like to build a hatch in teak to match the seats in the cockpit. Any ideas or comments from the wooden boat crew would be appreciated!
 

Hacker

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Never done a Wayfarer but first of all you need to identify if there are any areas that you can’t cut into. Once you have decided where to cut and what size you need to a) provide support to the area and b) provide an upstanding to stop water coming in. You could do this by creating 2 frames (properly jointed at the corners and put one inside and one outside and bolt through. You will need to seal these and ensure no leaks through the bolts. Depending on the structural integrity you might consider glassing the inside frame in place. Then build you hatch with a down stand that fits over the hatch upstand. You will need to think about hinge and closing mechanisms. I’m sure others will come along with different ideas.
 

DownWest

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Likely one of those plastic hatches usually fitted in cockpit seats would do for access. Think the hole comes in about 30x20cm? Reinforce the deck with a bit of ply glued under the GRP with the mounting screws going into it. Be a bit easier and flatter than a wood one, but less of a project:)
 
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