Cockpit Hatch hinge

[Scott Mather]

Has anyone secured cockpit hatches with hinges and a latch?
These hatches in our cockpit just sit on gaskets, and to access the locker you have to lift the complete hatch and put it somewhere.
and hope it does not fall on someone.
It would be great to hinge and add shocks to hold them open.
Has this been done? How are new boat hatches configured?

scott,

 

[Timeless72]

I have hit my shins and toes so many times with these hatches. Great idea.

 

[dar636]

Mine are on hinges, never occurred to me that this wasn't a OEM installation. Learn something new everyday. These are a simple as the look...

 

[Glory]

I can get some photos this weekend of my handles.

 

[Scott Mather]

My first choice would be an articulating hinge that mounts under the hatch and does not show.
I was hoping someone had see this or made the modification before starting from scratch.
The above photo might be very simple and best option. Does the hinge portion stick up enough to catch on bare feet?

Scott

 

[johnjen50]

Someone used an articulating hinge on the hatch in the galley that leads to the generator room on a 53 motor yacht. It was amazing and clean, all hidden underneath. Couldn’t find the thread but someone with a better memory than me will probably be able to find it.

 

[dar636]

And the edges of the hatches don't rub on the deck or inner gutter? Then I'll scratch my last comment.

No, no rub marks noted. The gutter is pretty wide, those two hatches swing up cleanly. Other problems like dog hair and dirt clogging the drain lines but that's another topic.

 

[dar636]

My first choice would be an articulating hinge that mounts under the hatch and does not show.
I was hoping someone had see this or made the modification before starting from scratch.
The above photo might be very simple and best option. Does the hinge portion stick up enough to catch on bare feet?

Scott

I have stepped on those hinges and cussed them out, yes indeed.

 

[JuiceClark]

My first sportfish (too embarrassed to mention the brand name) had hinges on big hatches in the cockpit, about 30 years ago. V drives. I was down in there working one calm day and mother nature decided to bring a gust of wind from just the right direction. The hatch swung closed right on the top of my head. The next thing I knew, I'm laying face down in the dark.

I was young and was fine after shaking it off. Still, make sure they open/lean away from the hole far enough so a gust or wave can't slam that hatch on a body part.