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Author
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Topic: Front Hatch Adjustable Arm
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Shortstay
Member
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posted May 25, 2005 08:54 AM
   
I'm thinking of installing a front hatch arm to be able to prop open the hatch at anchor. I got one from West & am contemplating how I might install it. Installing it from the inside is problematic. First off, our hatch has no "sill/frame" area to mount the part not on the hatch without rigging up some kind of block. Second, I'm building a screen for the hatch, so it would be in the way when the arm is extended, pretty much defeating the purpose of having the arm. Thus, both of these factors make it difficult to install the arm from the inside. Therefore, I'm thinking about attaching the base of the arm to the mast step & the hatch end to the exterior of the hatch. I have some asthetic misgivings about this idea, as well as practical concerns that it may be a tripping hazard. I'm not concerned that it will weaken the step. What do you folks think? ------------------
Kevin
Shortstay III, #901 IP: 198.115.167.207 |
Ken
Member
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posted May 26, 2005 09:58 AM
ShortWave has a small block glued under the starb'd lip of the hatch. It's made from laminated marine ply. It secures the bottom of the spring hatch prop. It's simple and cheap.
http://www.blyachting.com/en/detail.asp?sku=1011650 IP: 141.117.228.250 |
Eric
Member
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posted May 26, 2005 10:13 AM
This is a job I've been putting off too. I'll probably do as Ken suggested, and fasten (epoxy) a block inside on the hatch, and to the cabin roof, to mount the support.
Anything on the outside will foul sheets. Best to keep the outside smooth.
Eric[This message has been edited by Eric (edited May 26, 2005).] IP: 130.63.85.93 |
Shortstay
Member
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posted May 26, 2005 11:01 AM
Ah! Fouling the sheets... I didn't consider that. I'll have to go with gluing the small block under the lip & modify how I build my screen. Would M5200 provide enough adhesion?I wasn't sure how the spring device worked & wanted to be able to control just how far it opens, so I went with the rigid arm I indicated in the link. Thanks, as always, gentlemen, for helping guide my thinking/projects! IP: 198.115.167.45 |
Ken
Member
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posted May 30, 2005 09:21 AM
The spring operated prop is uncomplicated and works very well, but it's all the way open......or completely closed. On warm wet nights we propped the hatch partly open by wedging a sandal under the forward lip. One disadvantage of the spring prop....accidentally bending the spring with your hand will result in the hatch cover crashing down on your head or other tender body part. Weatherstripping......Use self-adhesive foam weatherstripping directly on the hatchcover itself. Works well under there, and looks a bit better when it's raised. Don't be too worried about sealing the lower portion....rainwater will run down the recess and exit nicely on deck. The top edge of the hatch needs wx-stripping the most. If the foam is too thick you will warp the cover or stress the hinges.
By the way, if you ever forget the main hatch padlock's key or combination....just sit on the forehatch.....if it's secured by the original threaded bolt-type latches, it'll usually spring open when you put some weight on it from outside. IP: 141.117.228.250 |
Darcy
Member
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posted June 05, 2005 06:46 PM
We were working on Shortwave today and made an interesting observation. We had a bit of leaking at the top of the hatch last year so I was going to put in new weather stripping. When we lift the hatch though, the weather stripping is on the cabin top not the hatch. Are you sure it should go on the hatch? The old stuff is an old and sticky wad now so it might have gotten pressed onto the cabin top side over time but I thought I'd ask the question just to make sure before I put on the new foam. My gut feeling is the hatch side is best. All other boats I have sealed worked this way. Thanks, D'Arcy "Shortwave" IP: 67.70.88.228 |
Shortstay
Member
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posted June 05, 2005 11:11 PM
The weatherstipping on Shortstay's forward hatch is on the hatch.IP: 198.115.167.18 |
Eric
Member
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posted June 06, 2005 09:50 AM
Hi D'Arcy. I replaced my hatch foam weather stripping this past offseason. It was actually Ken who suggested I install the new seal to the hatch, so I did. It's pretty fresh, so I haven't had water intrusion.
My old seal was on the "boat". It was badly worn, mostly due to rubbing against it, coming in and out, or passing things through the hatch. The aft lazerette was worse. I can't see much problem putting the seal on the hatch.
The old foam seal was a bugger to remove. I had to use a heat gun, and lots of Goo Gone to remove the adhesive residue.
Eric[This message has been edited by Eric (edited June 06, 2005).] IP: 130.63.85.93 |
Darcy
Member
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posted June 06, 2005 10:54 AM
Thanks guys. It's looking like the "on the hatch" application is the way to go. I'd forgotten about Goo-B-Gone but a clean surface will be critical here.
D'ArcyIP: 65.92.96.228 |
Ken
Member
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posted June 06, 2005 02:59 PM
Hmmmmm....I originally installed the seal on the hatch but perhaps somewhere along the line it became stuck to the deck instead. Anyway, put it on the hatch and don't fret about the bottom edge too much. It's the top & sides that allow rain to come in.IP: 141.117.228.250 | |
