Securing Engine hatches

[Richard_Peevor]

Im very pleased to have found this forum - I got a lot of useful tips about my radio a few weeks ago.

The previous owner of my boat cut an access hole in the cockpit floor to access the engine. The cover lies flush with the rest of the cockpit. This looks very nice however a lot of rainwater seeps through as it is not held down.

I have been trying to think of solutions.. One would be to build a rim around it and have the lid sitting on top of this.. this however would no longer be flush and would make moving around the cockpit more difficult.

My other thought was a lever/ clamp/ wingnuts to pull the cover down from inside as I have access from the companion way.

Does anyone know of any good levers etc that could be used. Cant seem to find them in Chandleries or B&Q etc.. or any other solutions?

Thank you

Richard Peevor

 

[dickh]

You can buy small screw-in round hatches - about Ø4" & Ø6" which are used in dinghys, but not strong enough if you stand on them!
The better option is a BOMAR hatch or the cheaper alternatives - quite expensive, available in both round and rectangular sizes, they do have web a site.
If I remember about 8" & 10" diameter - the larger will accept a 4.5Kg Calor Gas bottle. Obtainable with both locking and non-locking type, secured with a twistlock against a rubber gasket so waterproof. I have used them both for a Calor Gas Bottle and in the cockpit sole to gain access to the gearbox, but in this instance I strengthened the lid with a piece of plywood glued & screwed to the underneath of the lid - thus able to happily stand on it.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[pvb]

Try Protex...

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.protex-fasteners.com>Protex Fasteners</A> have a big range of latches and clamps, most of which are available in stainless steel.

 

[yoda]

As you thought a small lip all round with a lidd over the top. The clever bit is to fit a grating to bring the sole up to the height of the lid. Use a strong back on the lid to secure. has worked for 37 years on my boat!

Yoda

 

[snowleopard]

kings of hatch fasteners...

are Protex
arrow rd
redditich
b98 8pa
01527 63231

clever gadgets and no minimum order

 

[Col]

What ever you decide on, make sure you don't leave yourself with a "trip hazard"

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[spark]

Try www.classicmarine.co.uk

or

Timage - 01376 343087