Making a New Companionway Hatch Cover

[RobertB]

I just finished as set of vertical companionway hatch boards. These are two piece dark bronze plexiglass (1/4 inch) with bamboo stiffeners

I made a lock bracket that fits over the top panel

I made a second set for the reduced width companionway as a result of the air conditioner vent assembly

[Russ]

Robert, that looks fantastic. Exactly what I want to do. Was the plexi expensive and would lexan be stronger?

[RobertB]

Plexi vs lexan is a tradeoff. Strength, scratch resistance, general durability all to be considered. Plexi is available in a wide variety of colors. I found a good deal online where I could by 12 inch wide pieces - three at three feet long, one at two feet long. I believe the angle to cut is about 6.5 degrees. I ripped the pieces a bit under 12 inches equally to match the stock cover (leaves a gap at top). Plexi was easy to cut on the table saw (rip) and with a Rockwell Versacut (angles) with the carbide blade. Finished shaping with sanders.

I cut bamboo flooring to 1 inch by 3/8 inch and sandwiched inside and out - fastened with 6x3/4 inch screws.

[NavySailor]

Looks great! Let me know if you want some more *experience* and I'll send you the measurements for my hatch!

[dlandersson]

Ditto - anyone who makes these sell them? I have a 1997 26X.

Looks great! Let me know if you want some more *experience* and I'll send you the measurements for my hatch!