Back to the boats!
A lot of 12s seem to use thin plastic sheet as a hatch former and l know if it an "t broke. but just how waterproof are these in heavy weather?
l am thinking along the line of getting a plastic lunchbox or simular and cutting off bottom 3/4 and then setting/sealing remaining surround into the deckhatch frame,so that lid will clip back on.apart from the weight issue and as long as l am in the 60 sq inch rule can anybody see any problems with this?
Woody

I would say they are very waterproof...but that is all dependant on a particual design and build quality. Mine is quite waterproof letting only a tablespoon or so in a whole afternoon of Very heavy deck awash wx.

on the other hand I have seen some that leak badly.

I think the key is that whatever you slide in must be the same thickness as what you glue the portion on the deck with......the tighter this fit the less water comes in.

Also the ammount of overlap of the holddown portion as well as the ammount the slide extends back over the deck.

You want waterproof - you can't beat what we use down here.

All our newer boats use dinghy inspection hatches - available in 4" or 6" (best size for easy access)- 100% watertight [:D]
They screw shut nice and tight on the O ring making them quick and easy to get in and out of the boat - another plus is when you unscrew them we are able to use the deck lip as a lifting point - right over centre of boat.
Final plus - pretty cheap - around $12 (NZ) at the local boat shop.


Chris
NZL1 Longtack
&
NZL110 Swept Away

Hi Chris. Would you have a picture? Thanks Skip

Skip
Have 2 pics available - 1 prior to hatch going in and 1 with hatch in place.
Email your addy to me so I can send you the photos.

Chris
NZL1 Longtack
&
NZL110 Swept Away

You mean like this?




These are available from http://www.rwo-marine.com/. It looks like the 5" one weighs 3.4 oz.

What size are you using? They have these in 4", 5" and 6". They also have clear tops. Very cool.

FYI. Looks like these guys have these in stock:

http://www.apsltd.com/default.asp

Also, looks like RWO is a UK company. Here is the USA distributor:

http://rwo-usa.com/products/inspection.html#price

Exactly them Ben

We use the 6" one - easier to get inside if needed

Chris
NZL1 Longtack
&
NZL110 Swept Away

Hi Chris
l know you use a pulley mounted track system.How easy is it to get out through this deck opening considering the length?
Woody

Woody

No problem because the track has a slight curve in it to follow hull shape - it therefore "rolls" in very simply.

I will take a series of piccys and sedn them too you in the next week.

Chris
NZL1 Longtack
&
NZL110 Swept Away