Hatch covers for forward and cockpit hatch

[krafty81]

Can't seem to find any custom covers for these two hatches. Would like to find covers made of sunbrella fabric. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Noah]

I had mine made at Canvas Services on Canon St. in Shelter Island. They have done all my canvas work for years. Good folks.

[robbjd]

Krafty, I'm in the process of re-installing the cover on the main cabin hatch. Ours look to be homemade with 8 metal snaps to hold it in place. I'm curious about the adhesives people have used to attach the snaps to the aluminum frame of the hatch? I'm going to try epoxy on half of the snaps and "Life-Calk" for the others as a test. The forward hatch unfortunately doesn't have a cover but glue residue suggests that it once did.

[Noah]

NO! Bad idea. Sunbrella hatch covers have elastic sew into the hems and just stretches around/over the frame. It stay perfectly seated whether hatch is open or closed.

[waughoo]

Yeah... no snaps on the hatch.  Even with good adhesives, they aren't likely to stay there.

[Jim Hardesty]

I don't have hatch covers.  Years ago for a quick fix I cut up an auto windshield sun cover, the sort of plastic, bubble stuff.  Cut it to fit snug on the inside of the glass and around the hinges and latch.  It works to keep the interior a little cooler.  Quick and cheap.
Jim

[Noah]

My hatch covers are intended to minimize UV crazing to hatch lens.

[krafty81]

My hatch covers are intended to minimize UV crazing to hatch lens.

Yes that is what I am looking for. No snaps, protect the outside from the sun. I have a cover on the inside of the forward hatch that attaches like a roll down shade. No snaps, hopefully.

[WTunnessen]

My covers uses 1/4" elastic cord which holds them in place. Had them made at my local  canvas shop. Haven't blow away yet! 

[Noah]

Krafty— This is what my forward hatch covers looks like the elastic sewn into hem allows it to grip the frame whether open or shut.

[krafty81]

Nice covers! I want!

[Ron Hill]

Krafty : I made my own covers out of Sunbrella (easy to do) Sewed in some elastic in the hem. You need that covering to protect the acrylic from the UV crazing. Hatch closes and locks with no problem !!
 
If you sleep in the V-berth it also keeps you from getting "Moon Burnt".   

A thought

[robbjd]

Like I said in my original post, the snaps are already in place on the covers. When these covers are shot I'll try the elastic hem idea.

[krafty81]

I wish I was as handy as you guys! Whatever I tried to make would not pass muster with the boss (wife).! Talking with Canvas Services here in SD as recommended.