Hatch hold downs?

[duaner27]

Hey guy am about to test my twin 32 cat for the first time and am going back and forth in my head whether or not to just use tape for the hatch or use tape and thumb screws for hold downs along with some type of dowels on the front. I hate putting more holes in my hull that arent needed but im kinda nervous about relying on tape along. You guys have any input or pics of what yall do to secure your hatches? Thanks,Duane

[dana]

pins in the hatch, then small block of styrofoam shaped to fit flush to backside of hole then clued into place. now just drill into the styrofoam "dont go thru!" and push pins into styrofoam. now water cant get into the hull thru pin alignment holes. the hole on the left has the foam glued into place, then hole on the right doesnt

[duaner27]

Cool thats what I was planning on doing didnt think of the foam thats a simple yet great tip. What do you use on the rear of the hatch for a hold down? Just rely on the tape?

[domp444]

That's a cool tip Dana! I like the styrofoam idea.

2 pins in the front will be a good idea, and then one hatch lock in the back. That way the hatch won't come off with the tape while you're taking it off, which would get annoying. Plus, I don't know how strongly the tape would hold up in a blowover, so hatch locks are a good idea.

[dana]

for the back i grabbed 2 6/32 stainless screws. then i cut 2 small peices of maple to use as feet, next i drilled the holes thru the hatch and hull. next i put a small bead of plumbers putty around the feet and push them up thru the hull. now those are water tight. i use two 6/32 nylon threaded spacers to tighted bolts from the top, finally just put on the hatch and i use two 6/32 aluminum threaded spacers to hold down the hatch. done. here are a couple of pics