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This page describes C34 owner Roc Palaia,
Sea Life, hull#1477, Hatch Cover Upgrade.
Great Job Roc!
Please contribute
yours!
"C34 Hatch Covers"
Here is a project I did over the winter.
This is a picture of the cover installed in the hatch over
the salon area.
The hatch is in the closed and locked position.
This is a picture of the hatch in the open position
with the cover still in
place. I modified the design in subsequent models to
incorporate a pull tab
to grab onto for easy removal.
I wanted an overhead hatch cover that would give privacy in
the v-berth and head. I also wanted a means to cover the
hatches to stop the sunlight coming in and heating up the
cabin while we're away. The hatch covers should be easy to
install and remove, and should be easy to store. I thought the
best way for them to be mounted is by the simple friction fit
method, so no holes to drill. I wanted the hatches to be
opened easily while still in place so when in the v-berth, the
hatch can be cracked open. The material should be rigid
enough, but still flexible to roll up and store. Also, the
material needed to be durable. Most of all, they needed to be
inexpensive. I made the covers out of the insulation material
that has two faces of aluminum foil with bubble plastic
sandwiched in the center. This is rigid enough to fit and stay
inside the frame, and can be rolled for storage. It also will
reflect the sunlight when installed. This material is just
perfect! Home Depot doesn't sell it (believe it or not). I
bought it at True Value. Unfortunately, it comes in a huge
roll, so be prepared to buy the whole thing.
I made templates for each overhead hatch out of brown paper
being careful to achieve a tight fit. Then simply used them to
cut the insulation material to fit each contour of the hatch.
The hatch cover fits perfectly inside the perimeter of the
hatch and the friction holds it in securely.
Roc Palaia, Sea Life, #1477
2000 Catalina 34 MKII
Regards,
Roc, Sea Life, #1477
Important: The opinions expressed here are those
of the individual contributors to this page, and not those of
the Catalina 34 National Association or Catalina Yachts, Inc.
Additionally, this material has not been reviewed by Catalina
Yachts, Inc. for technical accuracy. This page's maintainer
cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information or the
desirability of suggested modifications or upgrades. Please
obtain assistance from a competent marine mechanic or boatyard
prior to making any significant modifications to your vessel. |
