Access Hatches

[Mr.Ladyfish]

My 21’ Wellcraft CC has a flat area about 18” X 26” on each side of the splash well. One side has a flip down ladder bolted to it. The oil tank is under that one and the other side has the battery under it. Both areas are accessed by vertical hatches in the bulkhead. It is a real pain in the arse to add oil to the tank or to check the battery. Also I would like to add a second battery and switch.<br /><br />Would it hurt anything structurally if I cut a hole in each side and put hatches in? That would make each area much easier to access. I’m getting too old to crawl on my belly before each trip. <br /><br />Thanks for your opinions.<br /><br />

 

[Solittle]

Re: Access Hatches

I don't think it would hurt anything structurally. You could do it with round access plates that are around 6" in diameter and sealed with an o ring. That should be fairly easy to do and would look neat - - if the hole is big enough.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Access Hatches

If you do go with the idea of round plates, I'm fairly certain that Bomar makes some of their bigger deck plates with a "T handle" like on most access hatches.. Basicly, the T handle makes opening them sooooo much easier... No prying and no trying to un-screw the deck plates...

 

[sloopy]

Re: Access Hatches

There are also some new round hatches out, which have NO ring, and DON'T need sealant! All you have to do is cut out the hole, place the hatch in and turn! If you plan to add a second battery you should also buy a battery switch so you can switch between batteries.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Access Hatches

It Sounds to me that you want to add a Hole Much Bigger than the little round hatches these fellas are proposing......<br />I'd say,"Go For It".......<br />I did something like this on my Starcraft Islander..... When I had a "hole" I thought was big enough, I made some Insulated Curtains,+ attached them with snaps.... It gives me nearly unlimited access,+ the curtains Cut the Noise of my I/O engine...<br />As far as Strength,+ Support, As long as you Leave an inch or two around the permimeter, you'll retain Most of the Strength of the Whole Panel.......

 

[Solittle]

Re: Access Hatches

I would not be crazy about covering any opening in the splash well with curtains. They won't keep water from entering the boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Access Hatches

My Mistake, I Thought, Beside the Splashwell....<br /><br />No, I wouldn't put them IN the Splashwell either.....

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Access Hatches

Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to look for a couple of rectangular deck hatches that are big enough for a battery to fit through. My main concern was structural. I have an aversion to cutting or drilling holes in Ladyfish's boat.