Which deck/inspection hatch?

[Quidi Vidi]

I'd like to cut a deck hatch into my cockpit sole so i can gain access to the engine and stern gland etc for maintainance. Has anyone else already done this or is it a complete no no? I'm worried about the watertight integrity and weakening the deck. Any reccomendations as to size/make etc?

 

[doug748]

No direct experience but I have seen a lot of rough work. I would consider fitting a standard deck hatch form Lewmar or whatever. The advantages are: a large range of sizes available, easy installation, reasonably rigid frames, more light in the engine area and (with luck) no leaks.
Some models are low profile, but all are costly.
A duckboard would be needed of course.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

There is no one-way to do this but yes it is very much possible, watertight integrity being of importance.

see the link for some ideas......

http://www.twister.org.uk/techfaq/index.php?sid=105073&lang=en&action=show&cat=5

 

[pvb]

If you don't have a cockpit sole grating, avoid plastic inspection hatches which are rarely strong enough to withstand being stood on. Best solution would be to customise your own removeable section of cockpit floor, reinforcing the area around it underneath and screwing it down on to rubber seals. It would be almost as strong as the unmodified cockpit and should be essentially waterproof. Not a 5 minute job though.

Incidentally, have you seen the fascinating pages by Geoff Richings on renovating his Invader 22? See here and here. Lots of ideas!

 

[Poignard]

Incidentally, have you seen the fascinating pages by Geoff Richings on renovating his Invader 22? See here and here. Lots of ideas!

Ah - reminds me of the old days when PBO was still 'Practical'

 

[Old Troll]

Old Troll

Hi. Such an inspection hatch is standard on the Albin Vega with no problems. The hatch makes life so easy to gain access to the gearbox,shafts, filters etc, especially when one is an Old Troll. You can probably do it yourself as you know exactly what is required rather than get the job done by boatyards etc.

 

[prv]

There are some very nice stainless and aluminium hatches around, at a price. I'd agree that plastic hatches are very dubious unless you have cockpit boards to spread the load (I do).

Pete