Butterfly hatch

[anotherT34C]

I want one! I was hoping I could just grab one from a hans christian parts dealer or something, cut a big hole in my roof, and install, but I can't seem to find any.

Where can I find a butterfly hatch? Or do I have to go and build one over the winter?

[delmarrey]

They are kinda neat, but too much wood for me.

You can buy the hardware but you'll have to build it or have someone build it.

[knottybuoyz]

I think most are custom built or built specifically for production boats in the years gonebye. I've looked at a lot and would like to make one for our boat. I've also looked but all you'll find (unless it's a salvage job) are the typical modern boat hatches.

[irwinsailor]

Our boat has one. It was custom built and involved woodworking. When I took it out so I could drop in the engine I was very surprised at how much work it must have been to build.

[anotherT34C]

So if you have a hans christian, and your hatch gets somehow smashed, you need to get a custom replacement? Oh well... guess I'll have to build one then. Does anyone know of a good source for hardware?

[irwinsailor]

Start with Jamestown distributors.

[svHyLyte]

They look pretty but they are heck to maintain and I've never seen one that didn't leak!

s/v HyLyte

[delmarrey]

For parts go here:

http://www.rwrope.com/traditional_ri...r_Fittings.pdf

[anotherT34C]

They're pretty AND they do a great job of brightening a cabin (I hope). My existing hatch already leaks like a sieve (you wouldn't believe how clean the cabin sole is).

Thanks for the parts catalog, exactly what I need. Winter building project! Now I just need to find out if I can cut a big(ger) old hole in my cabin roof.

Any T34C owners know offhand? I have never seen the mod, so it makes me wonder...

[wind rose ll]

Absolutely a must have!
For ambient lighting down below..for ventilation..one side (windward) when opened will funnel in air like crazy...to let out cabin heat when cooking...can be opened in the rain...look very nautical too!!
dave