A hatch trick restores the view ahead
Issue 68 : Sept/Oct 2009
On some boats, the field of view from the helm is quite poor. We faced this problem on our Sisu 26. It was built in 1985 and some of the plastic material in the windshields had crazed. Replacing the deteriorated plastic was a fairly easy job, but that solved only part of the problem.
The companionway hatch cover is hinged along its forward end. When the hatch cover was down, we could see forward quite nicely through the replacement pane, but when it was propped open, the wooden hatch completely blocked the helmsman’s view.
We considered replacing the wooden hatch with a transparent cover that we could see through when it was open. Instead, I decided to modify the original hatch design so it could be out of the way when open.
Choosing this path, I faced the question of whether to fit replacement hinges that would allow the cover to be removed entirely when opened. However, it seemed to me that removing and storing the hatch in a confined A hatch trick restores the view ahead by Henry Depew area would be a lot of work. The alternative was to leave the hinges alone and physically modify the hatch. After careful consideration, I elected to modify the hatch.
I removed it from its mounting and cut it into two parts, an aft section that could be removed while we were under way and a shorter forward section that would remain in place. The trick was to achieve this without a lot of latches. My solution was to fasten two wooden strips (I chose purpleheart) to the underside of the aft section of the hatch and extending beyond its forward edge. To join the two pieces of the hatch, these strips insert into cross-pieces on the forward part of the hatch, which remains attached to the boat by its hinge.
We now have a better arrangement all around. We can remove the aft section of the hatch while we are under way, to permit a clear view through the windshield while leaving the hatch open for free access below, and we can re-attach it without fuss when it’s time to secure the boat.
As a youngster, Henry Depew learned to sail on an Optimist Pram. Flying Juniors followed during the college years. Later he bought and rebuilt a blizzard of sailboats (nine in six years). He is active in the United States Power Squadron and sailboat racing activities with the Apalachee Bay Yacht Club.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
