Deck Hatch Question

[Matt sachs]

Is this style deck lid (with maybe 2 latches) suitable as a deck hatch? I really like the frameless look but I dont want to give up security or sea worthiness.

[Hudson Force]

I like the general design. I do not understand why the extension of the hatch is recessed forward , but extends outboard to starboard. This makes it look like it was poorly fit. I also do not understand why the edge is not "bullnosed" to the point where a moving line would not catch it. Then, in general, I think that it is an excellent design.

[Matt sachs]

Eaxctly, I love the idea, maybe with a tint and a better fit. Ill raise it up off the deck a bit, so I can drain it easily, and build up around it so it has a recessed look and lines wont snag.....

[Ex-Calif]

Presuming you made this yourself?

What was originally there?

My concern is that the water tightness relies solely on the bulb seal. Which will deteriorate. There doesn't appear to be any channel type feature to divert water around the opening, but that isn't your fault. If does not appear to be a feature of the locker lip itself.

Part II - Do people stand or climb on that locker? It looks great now when unmarked and unscratched. Maybe you can keep it from getting wear and tear but it will look yucky when and if it gets scratched up.

[Matt sachs]

Heck no, I didnt build that, mine will fit. :-) The picture is just the style I want to put on the forward deck. Nothing is there now. I have a design in my mind, a double seal, one is weight bearing, so it can be walked on the other will be the bulb type seal. My neighbor built a glass catwalk that is looking great after 2 years.No scratches at all. I thought I'll use the same 3/4 inch laminated glass he used.

[biker6977]

I like the idea. Are you going to put some type of a "trip tray" around it? If it's recessed it will need something. Or will you let it stand proud? I"m picturing a hatch that sits on top of the opening with two seals so no recess is neccessary?

[Matt sachs]

Kinda. It will have drains between each seal at deck level so any water intrusion will drain out, The hatch will be an inch and a half above the level of the deck. The deck will be built up around it so it will have that recessed look. I'll have it roughed in and glassed by monday. I'll post pictures.

[Matt sachs]

I hesitate to post pictures of unfinished work, but here goes. This will be the forward hatch. The groove will be between the two seals. The outter seal will be a balloon seal, the inner(weight bearing) seal will be an 1/8 inch Buna-N rubber gasket. Once the hatch is in place I'll build up around it to make it a flush fit, so no lines will snag.

[biker6977]

Nice job Matt! I like this look. Will you be using tempered glass or plexi? If plexi is there a scratch resistant type?

[Matt sachs]

Thanks. Im thinking glass for durability. The forward hatch is 25 X25 inside measurments. The aft is 25X 36 so weight might be an issue when opening and closing.

[biker6977]

Yes, I think the glass more durable and heavier- always a compromise somewhere. I do like it though and think you've done a splendid job. Is this a stripped hull you're redoing or is this built from scratch? Do you happen to have a blog your process can be followed on?

[Matt sachs]

I stripped the hull and started from scratch, except the hull. I have a lot of pictures on face book. I have a few pictures here on CF too. I think you can see the pics on FB with out friending me, if not send a friend request.

[biker6977]

Amazing how many Matt Sachs are on FB. I"m looking through them trying to find you. If not look me up Caroline Holt- not sure how many of me there are. I"m in Daphne AL

[biker6977]

Found you, awesome pictures on FB!!!! I am supremely impressed. Beautiful wood work you do! Hubby is from TN- Oakridge, lovely mountains- can't believe he gave it up to move to the big water.

[Matt sachs]

Thank you. Oak ridge is a 50 minute drive from here. I cut the walnut, maple and oak myself locally. The purple heart came from the internets...:-) This project has been years in the making but starting to pay off.