Deck Hatch selection and fitting advice

[TomKat]

Hi

I want to install a small deck hatch to allow the bolting down of my seats. Basically want it big enough to get my hand in to put the nuts underneath. Can anyone point me in the right direction for one? Happy with used/cheap!

Thinking something 100mm or so in diameter. Also any fitting advice - I wonder the best way to not hit a stringer (if my boat has any!) under the deck. Was thinking of drilling a hole and sticking a coat hanger in to feel for any vertical stringers.

Thanks in advance!

TK

[willk]

Coathanger is a good idea. Try one of those "stud sensors" too? Black & Decker Tools | Stud Sensor SF100

[TomKat]

good idea, pretty sure I have one in a box somewhere!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by TomKat

Hi

I want to install a small deck hatch to allow the bolting down of my seats. Basically want it big enough to get my hand in to put the nuts underneath. Can anyone point me in the right direction for one? Happy with used/cheap!

Thinking something 100mm or so in diameter. Also any fitting advice - I wonder the best way to not hit a stringer (if my boat has any!) under the deck. Was thinking of drilling a hole and sticking a coat hanger in to feel for any vertical stringers.

Thanks in advance!

TK

How about one of the cheap screw in deck hatches from Ebay? Less than a tenner including postage and you can get clear ones so you can see if your bilges are full

[TomKat]

good idea! something like this

4" 100mm ROUND CLEAR PLASTIC DECK HATCH BOAT RIB YACHT | eBay

[Nos4r2]

Thats the one.

I'd go larger rather than smaller if you can get one to fit under the seat unit-more room to handle tools will be a plus.

[TomKat]

I'll try the 4" one first, I worry about weakening the structure!

Cheers for the advice.

TK