75 18 splashwell hatch

[seecraft75]

In my 75 18 in the splash well looks to be a molded in hole for a hatch. Does anyone know were I can get one or modify one. I want to be able to get to my bilge pumps. Also has anyone used starboard for new splash well, doors, if that is correct term.?

[WildBill]

http://www.boatoutfitters.com/build-...oard-boat-door

these are doors but they also make custom hatches

kind of pricey but first class

Bill

[dave s]

If you want it be watertight, get the Armstrong deck plate. If you can fit it, the larger opening ~8" round or the rectangular one, make access much easier.
I replaced my 6.5" pvc deck plates on my aluminum bracket and no leaks; had to drill the holes out a bit. Also no screws to drill into the bracket or on your deck.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

I bought starboard to replace mine but have not as of yet cut them out .... i think i will be eventually making a Key west style hatch / door / engine cover and didnt want to waste the starboard for a temporarry solution ... i may buy a piece of PVC board and make a temporarry one ... ( PVC is much cheaper )... just to try and keep most of the water in the splashwell area...

[erebus]

This is the hatch that I got to fit into that molded recess in the base of the splashwell, on my 1975 18SF.
Only took a little trimming to get it to fit perfectly.
Ordered from greatlakesskipper.com
Not really all that useful for accessing pumps or anything in the bilge. Kinda skinny.
You can click the pic and it'll take you right to the store.



I cut out my stern fish box completely and glassed in a lip all the way around to keep deck water out. Also added a knee to the inside of the new transom. Figured why not, since I had bilge access.
Here's a pic in progress:



Now that's bilge access! I was never going to use that box for fish or bait or anything anyway. Now I have easy access to bilge pump, and can store my stern anchor in there.

Heres a pic of that skinny hatch installed (kinda). Its at the bottom, not a very good quality shot.

[dginge]

Zachary
How does the lip work on baitwell? Heard from so many that it has sunk a many seacraft. I want to do it so bad. Make a believer out of me? Any pics of it done? How proud does the lid sit? Tks

[erebus]

The lip is just to keep nuisance deck water from pouring into the bilge (in any great quantity). Water just flows aft, around the lip and out the scupper.
Any water that gets down into the bilge will be removed by the BIG ASS bilge pump I was able to easily install and now monitor with the awesome bilge access.

I cut the live-well out with a grinder and an air saw. Cleaned up the edge and sealed any exposed deck wood (There was a little bit in the back).
Glassed down some pre-fabbed fiberglass angle that I got from Mcmaster Carr. Five foot length costs 10 bucks. http://www.mcmaster.com/#8542k51

The lip glassed to the deck fits perfectly inside the deck hatch. Only had to modify it a bit here and there with a grinder to take up any height discrepancies for a flush fit.

I now store my anchor and fenders on a little platform I made that attaches to the stringers above any bilge water and the pump.

[dginge]

Thank you. I think I'm going to do it. I clicked on link. 1x1 inch. So how did the preexisting hatch sit on a 1inch lip ? I need to get to my boat but I thought the lid was maybe half inch deep on edges? Tks again

[erebus]

I wasnt sure what I ordered way back when, but I just checked my order history at mcmaster-carr and I definitely ordered 1x1 angle.
I know I had to grind a little here and there to allow the hatch to sit flush, but not much.

I also re-cored the hatch while it was out, but I don't think that changed the depth at all. If I recall it fit pretty good.

You could probably get the 1 x 3/4 angle and not bother with the grinding.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#8542k66

[dginge]

Great. I'll do the same. Ill have to re-core as well. There is alot of flex in mine already. Couldn't I just epoxy the flashing down and paint it 1st instead of glass it? If I bailed on the concept I can always screw it back down and silicone it dry! I bet that stupid live well weighs 100 pounds too, so at least I'll remove the weight! Tks