[C320-list] Companionway Hatch Boards/screens/doors

[Steve Magennis]

According to legend, Catalina doesn't use Starboard as hatch boards
because they can bend and pop out if smacked in the center by a falling
sailor, while the teak boards will hold and remain in place.

The same objection holds true for all of your options.  These opening
screens / windows, etc are fine at the dock, but are significantly less
safe at sea than the existing wooden hatch boards.

When I'm racing, I will typically put the top hatch board in place and
let the main trimmer straddle the bridge deck with one foot on the
companionway ladder and the other on the cockpit sole.  She / He can
then brace against the hatchboard and trim the main to his / her
heart's content.

If I'm out sailing in anything but flat water wiht minimal winds, I
wouldn't want a readily opening hatch as you are describing as the main
barrier to water getting into the boat in the event of a knockdown or
pooping (admittedly, an unlikely event, but one with potentially
catastrophic consequences).

Steve
Alchemist #909

--- Russell Monaco <russgm at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Has anyone one the list looked at their 3 teak hatch boards and
> replacing them with one of these 3 items (or another I didn't
> mention)??:
>    
>   A) 3 Panel Starboard with windows and/or screens from Zarcor:
>   http://www.zarcor.com/Hatch/Index%20Hatch%20board%20page.htm
>   B) 2 Hinged doors from Cruising Concepts:
>   http://www.cruisingconcepts.com/Codoor.htm
>   C) An assortment of screens/doors from Glebe Creek Screeworks:
>   http://www.boatscreens.com/default.htm
>    
>   We recently got a cat and want her to have fresh air/screens when
> she's locked in...any thoughts, commetns 
> 
> 		
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