Installing a deck hatch on Avon SR4 Searider

[westlajay]

I am contemplating installing a hatch into the floor of my Avon Searider 4m, forward of the center console near the bow. Want to store anchor and place some ballast weight to assist in performance.

Any comments or suggestions before I start cutting into the deck?

[chewy]

Have you got a flooding hull, could be interesting if you have....

I think you'd be better making a raised anchor locker in the bow.

[westlajay]

Thanks Chewy. The flooding hull option was sealed off two owners ago. I had thought about raised locker, but do not want to sacrifice deck space. It is already a bit tight since I have a center console and a bench seat with understorage aft of the console.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by westlajay

I am contemplating installing a hatch into the floor of my Avon Searider 4m, forward of the center console near the bow. Want to store anchor and place some ballast weight to assist in performance.

Any comments or suggestions before I start cutting into the deck?

Yes-you probably won't get anything of any use into the tiny space under the bow unless you make a raised portion to it as well. The flooding hull in the bow is tiny. Have a look on here for Tim M or Ollyit's pics of an SR4 with the floor removed.