Mahe 36: Hatches, Windows and Ventilation

[longislandsail]

Hi JC
Long time since we spoke, how are you both. Weather here is snow and 7 degrees on Tuesday. First I have to correct myself about the size of the hatches. They are 30 seriers and measure 15 5/8 by 20 3/4 and these lay flat on the coach roof. The total for 2 hatches and 2 screen sets is
$907.71 and that includes Shipping. Also needed is 1 tube of white caulk and screws. Did both in 1 day. Hope this helps JC

[lstyles]

I will probably make some changes to my hatches here soon. I like what you did. What did you do to the little round hatch...it looks like your put something in there?
thanks,
Lori

[jean1146]

Thanks Al. We are doing good and planning to head for the Bahamas in early April.The boat has been wonderfull.
Best regards
JC.

[longislandsail]

Hi Lori
I left the center hatch in place but I installed a solar vent in the hatch. Works well and keeps air moving. I installed it before I put the 2 new hatches in.
Al

[RoadRacer]

Hello,

I was hoping someone here could help me with a few pictures of the factory installation of the cabin curtains in their boat. We didn't get the curtain option when we bought her but I purchased & just received the curtains/hardware from FP and would like to mimic the factory install as closely as possible. Thanks!

Chuck

[MKB53]

Hi Al

I have just seen your post on the 2 hatches in the cabin top. Looks like a great idea. I had thought of options to increase the window hatch size but this makes a lot of sense.

Can you clarify your comment about being the largest hatch that will be flat? Is this because of the curvature of the roof?

Do you have a close up picture of theoutside?

Cheers
Martin

[longislandsail]

Hi Martin

The hatchs I used was because the coach roof is not really flat anywhere but the flattest was where I installed the hatches, and they were the size that would sit as flat as possible.I have outside pics which I will add to this post. As you can see from the pics there is no gap around the flange just caulk well and you should have no problems.

Al

[MKB53]

Thanks Al

Any issues with the main halyard & sheet over trhestbd hatch? I guess you only have them open at anchor.

Regards
Martin

[Cotemar]

Mahe's,

Installed one of these PortVisors over the Stb. master berth hatch.
Have another one I may install on the Goiot hatch over the port stateroom under the cockpit table.

Always seam to get rain on my head overnight when we leave the hatch open.
Also seem to wet the bed if I forget to close the hatch when washing the boat down

Our hatch is a Goïot Cristal 33.13P
Bumps out just 3 inches.
Takes about 10 minutes to clean and install.
Cost $27.95 order #17-RE
http://www.seaworthygoods.com/store.html

Thanks to Jef&Marin, Netherlands for doing all the research and finding these.

[MKB53]

Hi Guys

I am planning to put in larger hatches to improve ventilation in the saloon.

So far I have seens Als neat and easy solution for the cabin top and (at the start of this thread) the remodelling of the windows to the way the Evolution is now configured - a big task!

Did anyone consider just increasing the size of the existing hatches in the saloon windows? If so why did you not go with that option? Do you see this as being a weak point?

The tech guy at the local agents seems to think that it is a viable option but I need to speak to a couple of shipwrights to get their opinion as well.

Any advice would be appreciated - at this stage it will be either Al's approach or in the windows.

Cheers
Martin

[Cotemar]

Martin,
I agree with just putting larger windows in where the current saloon windows are.
Will be an easy install. I have cut lexan windows before and they cut pretty easy.
Used a Dremel with a 1/8 inch router bit.
Mark

[MKB53]

Hi Mark & Al

I have decided to go ahead and fit hatches.

My shipwright recommended against fitting them to the saloon windows.
When we checked with a straight edge there is a bit too much curve on the window and he felt they would be difficult to seal and there was the risk of cracking the lexan when the hatch tried to flatten the curve.
As a result I have decided to adopt Al'approach.

Al - I would appreciate any comment now that you have had them in place for a few months, especially if there are any things you would do differently.

I am thinking of mounting them in opposing directions so one at least will have a bit of shelter from rain.

I am also going to fit a Goiot hatch similar to the existing ones to the window behind the cooktop. Mainly to have reasonably secure ventilation when off the boat but also while cooking in cold weather.

I will post details when it is done.
Regards
Martin

[longislandsail]

Martin
The Hatches are working out just the way I had hoped for. They both face foward and the air that comes through them cools the boat down in short order. I am on a morring so I am always into the wind. It is probably the best money I have spent on the boat other than the solar panels. No leaks at all, the wind really comes through the hatches and with the sliding door open you can really feel the cooling down very fast. It feels like you have a fan in the boat when the wind is blowing 15 or so knots. Can't say enough about then. If you go with the Lewmar hatches get the screen and trim pack for each hatch they work well and really finish off the interior. Any questions or if you need more pics let me know.

Al

[MKB53]

Al

Thanks for the feedback.
I priced the Goiot portlight for the rear window and the Lewmar equivalent is looking good! Significantly cheaper!

Martin

[MKB53]

Hi Al

Just to let you know that I had the hatches fitted as you suggested and am very happy with the result. Now if the legendary Queensland weather would just return I will get to enjoy them!

Small hatch in rear window also worked out well and provides that bit of fresh air in cold weather and when we are off the boat for a short time.

Cheers
Martin