WOODEN HATCHES CONT.

The hatch slides on two flat stainless steel rails which extend out from the teak rails and fit in slots cut into the sides of the teak frame - see sketch. Stops are provided by the teak companionway coaming which runs athwart the back of the companionway opening. The slots for the flat stainless steel rails are cut about 1" above the bottom of the hatch frame. Once the hatch is mounted, the forward and aft hatch cross pieces are below the top of the companionway coamings. When the hatch is opened and slid back, the front hatch cross piece hits the companionway coaming which is athwart the back of the companionway. When the hatch is closed, the back hatch cross piece hits the same back coaming - sketch below.

These sketches are put forth as a general explanation on how a wood hatch is constructed. Anyone attempting to build a wooden hatch for their boat should consult a boatwright or a book on ship's carpentry, such as Fred P. Bingham's Practical Yacht Joinery, ISBN 0-87742-140-4, which is published by International Marine Publishing Company, 21 Elm Street, Camden, Maine 04843 (USA).

Rod Bruckdorfer
©: copyright 1998 Rod Bruckdorfer

^1. Warning: The above images show a change in the attachment points for the mainsheet, consult with a professional surveyor, boat designer/manufacturer, boatwright or boatyard before undertaking any work or project which was described or posted at this site.