What hatches do you like?

fishingdan · Post by **fishingdan** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 3:27 pm

I am looking at different storage compartment hatches. Are there any brands that are better than others?

Fritz · Post by **Fritz** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 4:11 pm

I'm partial to the Aluminum ones designed by R&R Designs and sold through Cabelas. These have a nice channel / gutter to keep water out and give a nice flat closure that can be stood on. They look best, though, carpeted and I know carpeting goes against some people's ideas of what goes on a boat.

I used a tempress Utility hatch (not Access) in my motor well. it is solid, and very water tight -- but it is very difficult to open. The Tempress Access hatch can be stood on I believe.

fishingdan · Post by **fishingdan** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 7:24 pm

Fritz,

Thanks for the info. Cabelas has a good selection. I am liking the idea of the hatch with the liner. Also like the integrated tackle boxes.

I am struggling with the idea of carpet. I too am from the midwest and every boat I have ever owned has been carpeted. It has never been a problem.

Now that I am living in New England, I find that people think I have three heads if I mention carpeting and fishing boat in the same sentence.

Dan

JamesSloan · Post by **JamesSloan** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:16 pm

I'm kinda partial to Bomar hatches. They seem to be really well made and priced right. They have a blue million variations in size and shape. Check out www.boatus.com for a good listing, but shop around before you buy. Just my .02 US!

odras · Post by **odras** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:32 pm

Hey Dan, as a native I had to laugh, your right ,up here carpets are for living rooms.

Although my Grady has only about 16 sq. ft. of carpet (right under the helm and foreward fishbox) Ive had to replace it twice in 10 years , including repairing stringers and replacing underlayment. I have to say that carpet sucks! It holds water forever and even 3/4" pt ply delamed after 3 years.

2 years ago I replaced the area with a plywood epoxy sandwich (Meranti and system3) so far so good.

If it were me I'd avoid the carpet, this ain't Fla. those guys have all the luck, fish year round, build year round.

I'm not envious am I?

odras · Post by **odras** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:39 pm

P.S. I agree Bomar makes a nice hatch cover, but as stated you have to shop. Ive seen for 50%-%60 less than retail online and retail plus at other sites "caveat emptor"

Bill

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