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Project: C34 Hatch Cover Project

 

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.

imageshatch1.jpg (76669 bytes)
This is a picture of the cover installed in the hatch over the salon area.
The hatch is in the closed and locked position.

images/hatch2.jpg (67738 bytes)
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.   

Last modified by Phil Imhof, Wednesday, August 11, 2004 . Copyright © 2001 by Catalina 34 International Association.  All rights reserved.