Making an access panel, material?

[jim rosenthal]

It depends on whether you are trying to install the Starboard hatches, or just seal them. I think what they are saying is that trying to get the hatches to stay in with just a sealant or glue is not possible. They need to be mechanically fastened- in other words, through-bolted. I would use sealant that they suggest, to keep dampness out. To the extent that you can, on a boat. Or' it's possible that the hatch maker will supply a rubber gasket with the hatch.

 

[Pascal]

While indeed sealant will not “glue” starboard to fiberglass, it will seal very well. No need to thru bolt the flange either, screws are just fine. I ve used starboard to build so many things over the years including dinghy chocks, backing blocks etc.

 

[Captain Ralph]

I was going to caulk them in but the guy said nothing really sticks to the starboard. I still want to caulk them.

If your caulk desires are like a gasket and you are mechanically fastening the hatch assembly in place; a lot of adhesive needs are not required.
Silicon or similar caulks work under compression like an O ring.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I'm sure screws would hold it fine, as you said. I did a similar project on my boat years ago. I used short bolts so I didn't have the screw points sticking out inside, because every time I had to get inside the flying bridge I ended up getting gouged by the screw points. So I used the shortest bolts I could get away with, and Nylok nuts and washers. If Bob isn't going to need to climb in there, then screws are fine.

 

[Bob Quinn]

I'm sure screws would hold it fine, as you said. I did a similar project on my boat years ago. I used short bolts so I didn't have the screw points sticking out inside, because every time I had to get inside the flying bridge I ended up getting gouged by the screw points. So I used the shortest bolts I could get away with, and Nylok nuts and washers. If Bob isn't going to need to climb in there, then screws are fine.

Thanks Jim, I guess I will have to stick with the screws and of course sealant to keep the water out.

 

[warrenw]

I have used Sudbury Elastomeric Sealant for sealing Starboard. Clean the surface on the Starboard well then flame treat and apply the sealant.
https://www.sudburyboatcare.com/product/elastomeric-sealant/

 

[Bob Quinn]

I have used Sudbury Elastomeric Sealant for sealing Starboard. Clean the surface on the Starboard well then flame treat and apply the sealant.
https://www.sudburyboatcare.com/product/elastomeric-sealant/

Hi Waren ,does this stuff hold well enough to eliminate the screws?
Thanks!

 

[warrenw]

Hi Waren ,does this stuff hold well enough to eliminate the screws?
Thanks!

Bob,

I don't think it adheres well enough to be used without mechanical fastening.

 

[Bob Quinn]

Hatch pictures

I thought I would share, making progress.
I realized these were the wrong hatches part way through. I actually ordered lift out still doors.
This style shown will not work as they open and hit the bench seats.
The middle one would open, but it would be in the way either laying on the floor or if fliped over it would have to be held open with a bungy cord or something like that.
This is why I ordered the lift out style, but they shipped the wrong ones.
As you can see on the left most picture (this is a picture of the far right hatch) it does not close properly due to the slight curvature of the wall. I will have to have them change the design to include two latches instead of one in the center. Each latch will have to be about 3-4 inches from the left or right edges of the hatch, then it should all be fine. The starboard is flexible enough that it will push easily flush by hand, and a latch in that area should pull it nicely flat.

 

[SEVEN]

Boy does that open it up. Nice share. Have you considered putting varnished trim on the bottom and both sides, leaving the top open so you could slide the panels up and out completely. Just a thought.

 

[Bob Quinn]

Boy does that open it up. Nice share. Have you considered putting varnished trim on the bottom and both sides, leaving the top open so you could slide the panels up and out completely. Just a thought.

They are going to be lift out panels, they accidentally built hinged ones. oops!

Varnished trim would have worked too, good idea. Probably could have saved a few hundred bucks.