New forehatch

[ghostlymoron]

I'm considering changing the very unsuitable forehatch on my mirror offshore. The existing one is simply a grp cover over an upstand. It doesn't seal at all and I'm concerned that I'll take on a load of water if it gets buried in a wave. The existing is oval and approx 800x300. I've got a hinged Houdini 500x500. Any advice on doing this. I know that it's the wrong time of year for fibre glassing so will leave till next.

 

[30boat]

I have a smaller Lewmar hatch,new ,if you think yours it too big.Maybe we could swap as I am considering fitting a new hatch as well.

 

[pcatterall]

Come on GM still some warm days ( if your quick!!) small enough area to put some sort of tent over?

Does it go something like.....
...hardwood up stand base which the hatch will screw to, shaped underneath to shape of your deck........ cut out old deck to suit frame ...... sand down 'old deck for a good few inches around hole to clean grp....using woven mat build up layers over deck and around the wooden up stand Which gives rigidity to deck around hole...extra layers over areas where deck was non existent.......tidy up your new grp deck areas ( fill and sand)... fit the Houdini.. have a beer! Simples!!


Cheers
Posted in the expectation that some of our experts will tell us how it should REALLY be done

 

[ghostlymoron]

Whilst browsing I came across this reference Mirror Offshore - Houdini hatch mould for
Apr 1997 p130 which seems to refer to a relevant article. Does anyone keep PBO mags from this far back?