- Joined
- Oct 23, 2019
- Messages
- 19
- Reaction score
- 8
Have a 2019 23SE. Has anyone installed an access hatch in the forward above deck bulkhead where the anchor locker is? Thanks
Thanks, thinking it would make it easier to install/access a windlass, or when I out on a trolling motor to put the batteries in there.I'm guessing you need more access to straighten out your anchor rode?
Just do it. But make it BIG.....within reason. In my long running build.....I cut it and molded a large bubble with a hatch....This made the anchor locker capacity larger to hold 600ft.
Are you thinking about installing a hatch on the forward vertical bulkhead that forms the back of the anchor locker? Or in the cap that forms the top of the anchor locker?Thanks, thinking it would make it easier to install/access a windlass, or when I out on a trolling motor to put the batteries in there.
Thanks for the reply. The vertical bulkhead. If you would please post pictures of the hatch you are installing.Are you thinking about installing a hatch on the forward vertical bulkhead that forms the back of the anchor locker? Or in the cap that forms the top of the anchor locker?
The cap of my 17 has a reinforcing stiffener running athwartships in the middle, right where you would put a hatch. I'm not sure I want to cut that and risk compromising the structure of the cap, so I'm having a rhombus-shaped hatch custom built to install in the bulkhead to maximize access that way.
Will do. I'm having it built by Boat Outfitters, I recommend checking out their site. The hatch is still in the building phase so it'll be a few weeks. Everything runs slower with COVID.Thanks for the reply. The vertical bulkhead. If you would please post pictures of the hatch you are installing.
I too am thinking of a hatch (2300 CCDV with no forward seating) not just stow the rode better, but also louvered to provide some ventilation.Will do. I'm having it built by Boat Outfitters, I recommend checking out their site. The hatch is still in the building phase so it'll be a few weeks. Everything runs slower with COVID.
Where is this hatch going?Have a 2019 23SE. Has anyone installed an access hatch in the forward above deck bulkhead where the anchor locker is? Thanks
In the vertical bulkhead in the bow where the anchor locker is.Where is this hatch going?
New hatch is installed! I'm very pleased with it.
Here's what I started with:
View attachment 25906
The opening of the hatch was just too small to be useful. An anchor of the size needed to hold the boat wouldn't fit through it. So I wanted something to maximize the width of the opening. A larger rectangular hatch would likely have been cheaper, but would probably have only opened up the clearance by a couple inches overall due to the width at the bottom. So, I decided to go with a rhombus-shaped custom hatch from Boat Outfitters.
Cutout for the new hatch, with cut edges sealed and screw holes overdrilled and filled with epoxy. You can see the width of the original cutout as the white area at the bottom edge:
View attachment 25907
New hatch installed:
View attachment 25908
Much bigger opening and much better access!
View attachment 25909
Overall I'm very happy with it. The hatch is extremely well made and has high-quality components. I will say that Boat Outfitters is VERY proud of their products, but the quality in this case is worth the expense. This was a custom build, which was more expensive, but they were very responsive and easy to work with throughout the process.
New hatch is installed! I'm very pleased with it.
Here's what I started with:
View attachment 25906
The opening of the hatch was just too small to be useful. An anchor of the size needed to hold the boat wouldn't fit through it. So I wanted something to maximize the width of the opening. A larger rectangular hatch would likely have been cheaper, but would probably have only opened up the clearance by a couple inches overall due to the width at the bottom. So, I decided to go with a rhombus-shaped custom hatch from Boat Outfitters.
Cutout for the new hatch, with cut edges sealed and screw holes overdrilled and filled with epoxy. You can see the width of the original cutout as the white area at the bottom edge:
View attachment 25907
New hatch installed:
View attachment 25908
Much bigger opening and much better access!
View attachment 25909
Overall I'm very happy with it. The hatch is extremely well made and has high-quality components. I will say that Boat Outfitters is VERY proud of their products, but the quality in this case is worth the expense. This was a custom build, which was more expensive, but they were very responsive and easy to work with throughout the process.
Man that is nice! if you dont mind what did it cost? What are O.A. dimensions and opening dimensions. Thanks!
As long as things are secured so that they will not move around, you'll be fine. And I mean SECURED: remember, you've got fuel lines, possibly fuel filters, pumps, electrical components, through hulls, plumbing, and all sorts of stuff that you don't want getting bashed up down there.God bless this website!
I was just thinking of doing the same thing to my 21SE, just to gain some additional storage for a few odds and ends like fenders and dock lines. Nice to see/know my concerns around compromising the structural integrity of the bulkhead isn't an issue.
Was also thinking of trying to use the bilge area for some storage as well. Am I safe in assuming there is no issue in screwing into the forward bulkhead in that area as well? Planning on a few plastic "caddies" just for fishing weights and some other odds and ends that can stand to get wet.
Is there any reason that it would be unwise to store stuff in the bilge?
Thanks!
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