Modifying hatch board

[mregan]

I want to cut an opening where the vent slats are located in the hatch board and install a piece of plexiglass.  I was thinking of routering the opening so the plexiglass would sit flush.  Should I install the plexiglass on the inside of the hatch or the exterior?

[Stu Jackson]

I would suggest the outside.  It would be easier to clean, plus easier to waterproof/seal the joint.

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

My boat came from the P O with a one piece plexiglass hatchboard and it was great! It provided lots of light into the cabin on rainey or chilly days and protection from the elements. I also had the original teak boards but never used them.

Mike

[Ron Hill]

mre : I made a set of Lexan (smoky) hatch boards to let the max light in while I'm on the boat.

A thought

[Jeff Tancock]

Me too....a pair of clear lexan washboards, wood trim. Haven't used the boards that came with th boat in 15 years!

[Fuzzy]

I built two hatch boards with lexan and two hatchboards with screens to use in place of the solid teak hatchboards but I keep
the original hatch boards on board in case of severe weather when there's a chace of the cockpit becoming flooded.
The window and screen hatch boards match the original boards so they can be mixed or matched.  The wood frame around
is not large so they are lighter than the original boards.
Larry

[mregan]

Do the full Lexan boards get scratched after a while?  Also, what thickness Lexan for the full boards.

[Ken Juul]

We have a one piece plexiglass insert.  1/8" I think.  Use the wood hatch boards for security when we are away from the boat, the clear allows light and keeps heat/cool in the boat.  Although with our new full enclosure, it's not getting much use now.  Stores easily under the aft mattress.  Added a couple of "Sail" decals so folks won't walk through it like they did on the original one.  First one lasted 6 or 7 years,  5 years on this one, few light scratches that don't bother us.

[Jeff Tancock]

Yes they will scratch if you aren't careful. I wasn't all that careful and after about 12 years I made a second pair. Well worth it for the light and the clear view of the world when down below....

[Ron Hill]

mre : I used 1/4" Lexan and who cares if they get scratched?  I put them in to hold out rain or cold and let the light in, but still have privacy.  I store them easily under a port side cushion and don't worry about scratches.

Beside the scratches help keep the gawkers from looking in!! (I'm docked stern in!)  A thought

[Stu Jackson]

Beside the scratches help keep the gawkers from looking in!! (I'm docked stern in!)  A thought

Absolutely!  One never knows what Ron is doing down there.   

[Fuzzy]

mregan:
I have only had the lexan hatch boards on for one summer and no scratches yet.  I have about 5/16" wood on each side so
the lexan is somewhat protected.  Lexan is much stronger and more durable and less prone to breaking than plexiglass.
Larry