Front hatch venting and security

[Seashoreman]

My Leisure 23sl is ashore in the boat yard. I have been propping the bow facing front hatch open an inch for ventilation and hanging a weight on the handle to stop it blowing open. The weight is enough to stop an intruder (for a while) consisting of a length of steel that is wider than the hatch opening. This is all a bit of a faff.
Looking for sensible ideas. Not a high risk crime area and nothing of any great value onboard at the mo. but rather not have an intruder.
The existing catch is very efficient for secure closing at sea etc but cant think of anything other than my bodge-it plan?
This is just for winter storage really for through ventilation, otherwise I wouldn't bother on mooring. Ideas/suggestions?

 

[Daydream believer]

On my Stella I had a round vent about 225 diameter with a 125mm hole set in the wooden hatch. It had a small solar cell in the top & a fan that whirred away (quite quiet) during daylight hours.
It stuck up about ( from memory) 2 inches as a dome & inside the boat something similar. So it is not intrusive.
Similar item
In the main hatch ( also wooden) I cut a 9 inch * 4 inch metal louvre just to maintain an airflow.
I see no reason why one could not be cut into a perspex hatch & if my Hanse had a problem ( it does not I am pleased to say) I would put one in. My hanse has a double stop position & it should not be hard to insert a barrel bolt, such that the hatch can stay slightly open but intruders cannot reach the bolt. The problem is that they can insert a bar & lever the hatch open. But with that sort of intent, then allowing easy access may be a better plan, than something which results in greater damage in the end.

 

[peteK]

I have always found that the 2 Coachroof vents and the vent in the washboard are sufficient on the L23sl.

 

[Wing Mark]

My forehatch can be locked ajar, but if I do that, the rain gets in when the wind blows from some directions.
I just go to the boat and open everything whenever it stops raining.
I am trying to scrounge a big enough bit of plywood to make a new washboard with lots of louvres in.

 

[Blueboatman]

Rigging screw between hatch and v berth ?

 

[thinwater]

My biggest concern would be mice and other rodents. Nasty little vandals.

 

[LittleSister]

You could make a vented box (with e.g. ply) that fits over and accommodates the open or partially open hatch during winter, and which is secured by screws/ bolts (or simply strong cord) through a wooden batten below, which extends across and beyond the hatch opening. Won't blow away, and would be a significant deterrent to a casual intruder.