Cutting a hatch in the cockpit floor

[cindersailor]

I need to find a way to easily access the stern-gland in my boat. Currently it is only just accessible by reaching over the engine and under the cockpit floor. I do not like to envisage the situation where it requires urgent attention with the water level in the bilges rising! The only realistic possibility is to cut an access hatch in the cockpit floor which is a pitty as it is newly layed teak, however I have little choice. While this is easily done with a jigsaw how to I design a hatch/frame arrangement that will not leak? Are such hatches in which teak can be layed to be flush with the surrounding foor available to purchase? And other suggestions?

 

[pampas]

Have sent a PM. Pampas

 

[Swanrad2]

4 years, 3 different hatch designs plus tweeks- they all leaked! The best was a raised lip and a lid that clamped against expanded neoprene seals (from seals direct) this one just dripped instead of gushing, then again I struggle with Ikea woodwork so you could probaly do better

 

[Spuddy]

Tell me - what did you use to clamp? I've made similar contraption and just needs appropriate thingys to hold it down.

 

[landyhubbard]

I use a standard Lewmar deck hatch, which works as it's under a grating, waterproof and it admits light to the engine space (in daylight) If I switch on the engine space light I have a rather trendy cockpit uplighter (at night) Lovely for those intimate cockpit soirees.