What does everyone use for their hatch covers and surrounds? Where do you get it?

Matt

Matt,

I have used a thin fiberglass product called G10 for years now, but I am running out of it and not sure where to purchase more.

Mark

Matt

I use 1/64 aircraft plywood sliding in a homemade wood strip frame. It goes with my deck and is very light. I tie a large knot on the underside just where the hatch opens with a small loop on the top. The knot keeps the slider from coming out accidentally and the loop makes it easy to remove the slider.

Some of our guys use cut-outs made from plastic cover material from school report binders (or plastic file folders). Wall-mart has them in matching colors. The surround can also be made from the same stuff by making a "sandwich" of two frame like layers and two sided sticky tape.

One of the more crafty types has made a stepped aluminum surround with
a clear plastic sheert from the hobby shop.

Let you imagiantion go any where it leads.

Pete

Matt,
I don't get fancy with the hatch cover. I don't get fancy with an EC12, I guess. I have used G10 and CF products but found that a 30 mil Acetate works well, is in expensive and easy replaced. I get mine from Tap Plastics, a chain FG and plastic hobby outlet.

As seen on the building site, the cover receptical is secured with commercial double tape and I make several covers for the tool box to carry. Last year I forgot to bring them east and this was discovered on saturday morning at the lake. I rushed down to Staples and bought a plastic three-ring binder and made one. I am still using it and like it.

Just some other suggestions and sources...

Yes, a missing hatch cover is worth more than the boat. [xx(][8]

FANTASTIC information guys. Thank you very much. I didn't even think about 3 ring binders... I wanted something heavier than what I was able to find but I didn't want the hatch surround to be 1/4" thick.

Woo Hoo!

Matt

I have found this one particular report folder that works great. It happens to be a perfect thickness and it has a good look also. Comes in a smoky gray and clear. It has a texture that kinda resembles a CF look. I get these a Walmart for under $2 each. Here are some photos.

http://members.tripod.com/ghmyc_1m/hatch7.JPG

http://members.tripod.com/ghmyc_1m/hatch4.JPG

http://members.tripod.com/ghmyc_1m/hatch6.JPG

greg V
http://ghmyc.org/

Alright alright...

I got the plastic notebooks that I want in the color that I want them. Does anyone have any ideas of what to use to adhere the layers on the surround together to make them hold up when the hatch is slid on and off over time?

Matt

epoxy

Matt

I went to my local trophy store and bought a roll of 1/2" trophy tape. Its double-sided tape and works great, its also removeable if you ever need to get it off.

My boats (that come with a hatch cover) have a raised lip molded on the deck and a 5 sided arrowhead looking plan form. The hatch cover is the mirror image and held in place with small rare earth magnets.

I rarely see them leak, and that would be in heavy rain and 18+ kt winds. If you put a bead of silicone on one or the other parts, the simply don't leak.

Greetings Guys,

In New Zealand we use yacht inspection screw fittings. These have a proper rubber seal and work the best I have seen, screwing down the lid akes three turns and pressures the seal. The outer ring is fitted (Glassed) into the deck.

If you fit one of these it is good for the life of the boat(solid and light). You can view this at http://www.ec12.co.nz/ec12_boatofthemonth01.htm in the bottom left picture.

Regards Phil

Hi Matt. If you look futher down to the post from Greg V. you will see the links to look at. Skip[8D]

Skip

....the very best way I've found to attach these covers is with seamstick. For those that don't know, this is the same stuff that sail makers and seamstresses uses. It's a very fine and very strong double stick tape.

greg V
http://ghmyc.org/