GAS! GAS! GAS!

I just realized that the pics I have on this computer didn't show the hatches.

I've done them a number of ways. One is to use a hatch I've salvaged from another boat. They come with a factory aluminum "Z" bar. Typically, they will be 1-1/2 inches around the top, (attaches to the deck) 7/8" down, and then 3/4" in. (For the hatch to sit on)

It's not hard to make this, using angle-aluminum and a rivet gun. You can also weld them, if you have a MIG, TIG or even those aluma-weld sticks.

I can draw a diagram, if you want to see the concept.

Funny, that I don't have any hatch pics. Trade-secret, I guess.

thill said:

I just realized that the pics I have on this computer didn't show the hatches.

I've done them a number of ways. One is to use a hatch I've salvaged from another boat. They come with a factory aluminum "Z" bar. Typically, they will be 1-1/2 inches around the top, (attaches to the deck) 7/8" down, and then 3/4" in. (For the hatch to sit on)

It's not hard to make this, using angle-aluminum and a rivet gun. You can also weld them, if you have a MIG, TIG or even those aluma-weld sticks.

I can draw a diagram, if you want to see the concept.

Funny, that I don't have any hatch pics. Trade-secret, I guess.

Click to expand...

Hatch info always worth looking at. Let's see it! (please?)

I just got in from a long, grueling day at work. I don't see any pics of the hatches, but here is a sketch of how I make it from scratch, if I don't have one I pulled from a boat.

It's typically made from a piece of 1-1/2" or 2" angle and a piece of 1" angle. The larger one goes on top, and is screwed through the decking, and the smaller one is set down whatever the thickness of the hatch is, and riveted to that depth.

If I'm carpeting the deck, and the frame will be under the carpet, I cut the upper flange and bend the inside so that it's made from one continuous piece of angle. If you will be able to see the upper flange, I miter the top, to look good and then bend tabs under the deck. Then, when I rivet in the lower angle, I rivet it through the tabs to make it nice and solid.

I don't think I have any pics of the process, but hopefully, you get the idea.

Here is a cross-section of the way I make them:


Sorry, if this isn't the greatest, but hopefully, it gives you some ideas.

thill said:

I just got in from a long, grueling day at work. I don't see any pics of the hatches, but here is a sketch of how I make it from scratch, if I don't have one I pulled from a boat.

It's typically made from a piece of 1-1/2" or 2" angle and a piece of 1" angle. The larger one goes on top, and is screwed through the decking, and the smaller one is set down whatever the thickness of the hatch is, and riveted to that depth.

If I'm carpeting the deck, and the frame will be under the carpet, I cut the upper flange and bend the inside so that it's made from one continuous piece of angle. If you will be able to see the upper flange, I miter the top, to look good and then bend tabs under the deck. Then, when I rivet in the lower angle, I rivet it through the tabs to make it nice and solid.

I don't think I have any pics of the process, but hopefully, you get the idea.

Click to expand...

Ok, I've considered something like that but something about your drawing clicked in my brain. Have you considered, instead of the 1" angle, using channel instead to make a dry hatch?

Buster said:

Ok, I've considered something like that but something about your drawing clicked in my brain. Have you considered, instead of the 1" angle, using channel instead to make a dry hatch?

Click to expand...

Good thinking, and yes, I've done that, along with 2 pieces of tubing in the corners that run down to the bilge. It works well, but in my tin boats I generally carpet them, and they really don't let much rain get in. Maybe a line of drips, and only if it really pours hard. I put stuff that I want to keep perfectly dry under the rear hatch where it has a solid, overhanging lid.

That dry hatch has the U-channel on 3 sides draining out the outside edge. The hatch has a turned down front so you can't see the edges of the channlel, and it's perfectly dry beneath.