Deck hatch impedes vang and mast foot blocks

[cliveshelton]

On my so36i for some reason the saloon deck hatch is fitted to open forward. This may be to improve ventilation (not often needed where I sail). However the vang and running rigging blocks are constantly impeding it and a fiddle to push out of the way from inside when operating the hatch. The hatch has a built in shade and fly screen. Is it an easy matter to turn the whole thing round? Or should I get a professional to do it. I am pretty handy but a little worried when it comes to hull fittings etc.

 

[Talulah]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the hatches on the so36i are the low profile type.
Whilst it is relatively easy to turn them around once you have them out it is also easy to distort the frame when trying to break the seal. The usual thing is to work from one corner with a knife and then as you cut the sealant you then progressively prise it up with screwdrivers. Once you have a corner slightly lifted the rest become easy.
If you do distort the frame and end up having to replace the hatch then replace it with a much sturdier hatch like the Lewmar Ocean Hatch as that particular hatch gets stood on all the time.

 

[sarabande]

hatches are normally symmetrical, and there should be no problem (apart from some fiddly fuss around the headlining, cleaning the adhesive, etc) for changing the direction of aperture. You may even find the hatch is a two part one with the base attached to the deck, and the hinged unit then attached to the base.

As for the ventilation problem, an aft opening hatch is usually a negative pressure zone, so sucks air out, rather than forcing air in.

 

[Plevier]

Re Talulah's comment the hatvhes on my 2003 SO32 are Goiot not Lewmar don't know if they have changed since.
I also have the front opening problem very annoying!