Front deck hatch

[Reel Smoker]

Has anyone cut the hatch in front of the console in half?Hinged it? I've been wanting to do this for a while now but dont want to screw it up.Thanks RS

[Reel Smoker]

Hope this post came out!

[sjf7918]

If it is the one in the floor and not in the casting deck, our 1977 23 was hinged in the middle. The hinged section came up as I remember.

[Reel Smoker]

Yes Fisher its the one on the floor not the casting.Been thinking of cutting in half or were the cooler clears it. But im wondering if this will weaken the hatch.

[Miles Offshore]

Mine is hinged on my 78/23 . i wasnt aware that they were not all hinged. Over top of the hinge is a piece of flat thin stainless (on the forward section to deflect water i assume. )

[Reel Smoker]

Miles,is it like a piano hinge?

[Miles Offshore]

RS- yes its a piano hinge- its 22" from the forward hinge . The lifting thing is also just forward of the hinge ~2".

[Scott]

Hey …..RS long time no see !!! How ya been ??

I’m sure you could do it and do it right … But I’ll let the pictures do the talking

As with most of the hatches on the boat …that fish box hatch was like a trampoline …. Not any more !!!!

[sjf7918]

As I remember R.S. ours hinged in the middle so it would clear the seat in front of the console. The hinged part allowed you to access that compartment without opening the console door (like Scotts pictures). Never remember It being weak.

[Scott]

As I remember R.S. ours hinged in the middle so it would clear the seat in front of the console. The hinged part allowed you to access that compartment without opening the console door (like Scotts pictures).

Good point Fisher .... I opted for the solid hatch as I have two different console doors ... One with the built in seat (which would interfere with the opening of this hatch) and the other (second) door is a flat panel door that can remain closed yet I'm still able to open the hatch. The door with the built in seat is in the garage right now [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]