Cutting a hatch in deck?

[FiftySix]

I know this will have all the purists cringing, but I feel that there is lots of unused space under the front deck of a Broom Saturn (see photo), so I would quite like to cut out a small locker space there. I would reinforce the sides with wood or aluminium.
I know its not original, but will it ruin the structural integrity of the boat, or would it be ok?

Thanks!

 

[oldsaltoz]

Should be possible depending on the location, so how big do you need and what area will be in?

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[TradewindSailor]

I don't know the construction, but just a few comments that may be of help:

If the locker is placed forward it is unlikely to provide much usable room for storage. If placed aft it may be better to access it from under the console.

The other problem maybe that there is solid foam buoyancy in that area.

Whatever you do you need to make it watertight and structurally sound for anyone walking on the deck.

 

[FiftySix]

I only want to make a small locker for storing rope and an anchor in. I already know there is empty space under the deck so I wouldn't be intruding in a buoyancy area.

 

[oldsaltoz]

I only want to make a small locker for storing rope and an anchor in. I already know there is empty space under the deck so I wouldn't be intruding in a buoyancy area.

Ok, Im looking at the picture, now just location have you chosen? and how deep will the locker be assuming it's just a bit larger than the hatch opening?

 

[Seajet]

Something like this might do the trick, with a bucket or similar glassed in securely underneath; do check dimensions of anchor etc, if this doesn't suit you may need a forehatch, whatever it is make sure it's waterproof with decent handles on the outside.

http://www.force4.co.uk/3106/Bomar-10--Round-Inspection-Hatch.html

 

[Talulah]

Also consider how you are going to drain the locker.

 

[Avocet]

Be careful about mooring loads on that cleat (or worse, if you need a tow one day). Any discontinuity in the deck will need to be adequately reinforced and it's very hard to say what would be "adequate" without seeing the reinforcements.

 

[onesea]

Purist cringing

Do you really need to cut up what is nice looking deck? To put a hatch in and maintain the looks and strength is not going to be easy.

You will be putting a fair weight high up and forward none of which can be great for the boat. It will be more difficult for anyone working on the deck as having hatch open AND getting ropes out will be difficult. Plus drainage issues...

Do you really want to do it?

Would you have flat space you could store a Danforth Style Anchor?

Can you not

 

[Seajet]

Purist cringing

Do you really need to cut up what is nice looking deck? To put a hatch in and maintain the looks and strength is not going to be easy.

You will be putting a fair weight high up and forward none of which can be great for the boat. It will be more difficult for anyone working on the deck as having hatch open AND getting ropes out will be difficult. Plus drainage issues...

Do you really want to do it?

Would you have flat space you could store a Danforth Style Anchor?

Can you not

I tend to agree, but having a decent anchor & warp is more important than style.

I'd be more concerned with keeping the anchor secured when bouncing into waves at Warp 9...

 

[onesea]

I tend to agree, but having a decent anchor & warp is more important than style.

I'd be more concerned with keeping the anchor secured when bouncing into waves at Warp 9...

Is it really going to be any more secure in a locker near the bouncy end? It really is not that hard to properly secure an anchor...

 

[Seajet]

Is it really going to be any more secure in a locker near the bouncy end? It really is not that hard to properly secure an anchor...

You make a good point I had forgotten to mention, I do secure my anchor with a shock-cord in the locker, also the locker sides are lined with titanium ( not a p-take, used to be able to get it cheap ! ).

Alloy on the sides of the new locker ( if not the glassed in bucket / basin I suggested ) would do fine but an elastic to stop the anchor bouncing around is essential.