Hatch in the cockpit

[mjpay]

I replaced my inspection hatch with a Bomar hinged inspection hatch, same size and color as the original. Go to www.pompanette.com look for the Bomar heading, they come in white,offwhite, and black. Part # G8711
I have a 1985 23' cc in mint shape and wanted to keep the original hardware. the hatch is hinged so you can inspect your bilge pump etc. It will never leak if installed properly. they give you instructions with the hatch.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

On the front one I rebuilt the hatch and made it one piece the put hinges on the starboard side to open it up I now use it to stow my anchor with 400’ or rope anchor retrieving ball and a cast net. I bought a large 48” Igloo cooler and place it above that hatch for the fish and a mini coffin seat. As for the back one I make a 32 gal live well like the newer SeaCrafts which uses up most of that area the rest is transducer, 2 bilge pumps, live well pump with scoop and shot off, and fuel filter the top of that area is one solid deck with two round access hatches.
FellowShip [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Billybob]

I hinged my back one, because I couldn't get to the transducer or pumps, plus I like the idea of being able to get my head and hands down there if I have to.
I glassed in the pie holes, and I gasketed the lip on the deck with some seal I found in Mcmaster carr - it doesn't leak, and looks pretty good.The only complaint is I didn't find a flush latch yet - so I have to figure that one out.
Maybe I can get some pics to show you.
Bill

[Scott]

This is funny ... thought I was going crazy...... I looked at this post and said to myself I haven’t posted anything lately ....then I looked at the original date [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Bill .... the flush latches... have you checked out www.gemlux.com ... they have some real nice stuff. Perko has them too but I've noticed on new boats that are using them (Regulator or Pursuit if I recall correctly) they are not all that "flush" In fact I was kind of surprised they were even using them on the deck.

And YES … I would like to see pictures of what you did when you get a chance...

Thanks

[Capt Chuck]

Scott
On my '78 23'I hinged my hatch after installing a 135 gal fuel tank. I got tired of the caulk and screws and water into the bilge deal.I ditched the orignial deck hatch with the inspection plates. I made a new hatch and hinged it to the motor well. I then installed a "gutter system" like the front floor hold and tied it into the floor scuppers and out the transom. (no wet feet) I braced the the two hatches where they meet with a fiberghlass glass wedge between the top of the fuel tank and the floor hatch (no flex). This works real well. I'll send ya a pic.

Capt Chuck (shellback)

If she asks"how much did that cost?" LIE!

[Scott]

Capt. Chuck ..... Thank you ...Great pictures and Really nice work .... Thats the right way to do it !!!! Question ... the gutter system .... it is high enough (given the level of the deck in respect to the water line) to drain properly out the transom?

[Capt Chuck]

Scott
Yes, notice the two holes in the back corners------>they are approx 3/4" dia (pvc glassed in) and then they tie in to the floor drains (Tee configuration) and then both the floor and hatch drain thru the transom. I only get a little water back up thru the floor when at anchor with two fat people like me in the back. Not enough to wet the feet just fill up the floor drains a foot or so. the gutter is also made with PVC and handles all wash down and rain. Any excess that might get over the gutter will be handled by two 2000 gph pumps in the bilge. Both have float switches but one is wired direct to one battery without a switch. The other to the 2nd battery on a three way.
Capt Chuck