[C320-list] Hatch Boards

[Paul Rickman]

Sean,

There are a number of options. On one boat I had smoked lexan hatch boards. It's 
really great for letting in light on an otherwise dark and gloomy day. You don't 
have to limit yourself to one or the other -- you can have both! Use the wooden 
boards when you're going to be away, the transparent one when you are on board. 
Just remember at night with the lights on, people can see in. I put
a towel over them when at the dock.
You can also use plastic wood. Comes in white, or brown I think. It cuts like 
wood on a saw. I have teak doors that came with the boat. The doors are great 
and real handy, they have lift off
hinges. I also have the teak hatch boards I use in the winter. I think you can 
check out options on http://www.sailboatowners.com I've also see stainless hatch 
rails with plastic wood hatch 

boards and doors.

http://www.scottcarle.com/gallery/v/Sailingandboats/beneteau235/f235hatchboards/

Good luck with your project.

Paul
Affinity 657
Bay Bridge Marina
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland




________________________________
From: Sean Kaldor <spkaldor at yahoo.com>
To: "c320-list at lists.catalina320.com" <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Sat, May 7, 2011 1:41:10 AM
Subject: [C320-list] Hatch Boards

Ok, so I'm getting tired of refinishing the companionway hatchboards. I'm 
looking for another solution and wondering if anyone out there has come up with 
a better set-up. 

I'm big on safety, so looking for something very sturdy - something that won't 
bend or simply pop out under pressure. Would also like something durable - that 
won't chip when its being moved about.

Has anyone come up with a solution? There is almost no wood on a C320's 
topsides, so the companionway boards are the last piece of the equation. 

Acrylic ... do those chip? HDPE (starboard), do those bend and press out under 
pressure? One full-sized piece vs. three pieces?

I'm not looking for doors ($$$) or screens... just a basic replacement.

Any thoughts / solutions would be appreciated.

Sean
Liberte #499
San Francisco