Hatches in V-Berth

Casey · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 7:18 am Post subject: Hatches in V-Berth

I am considering cutting hatches in to the V-berth platform to access additional "deep" storage space.

My question is - before I start cutting, does anyone know if that area is foamed or not? From what I've learned it could already be empty, partially filled or almost completely filled.

...I guess whether or not it was foamed depends on the phase of the moon during construction, what day of the week it was done, or whether is was near quitting time.

I have a 2006 Cape Cruiser 23.

Casey

jennykatz · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 7:51 am Post subject: hatches

Casey if you pull the cushion out you will see little round plastic plugs that they use to pump in foam . My hull num.3 has 3 fr these .I've thought of putting hatches in mine but so far we have not needed extra space we only stay out for a few days never longer then 4-5 days of overnight s. Let us know what you find inquiring minds want to know Jim

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 7:55 am Post subject:

Do you have plugs in the fiberglass in that area? If so, you have foam under there. Our CD-26 has a half dozen plugs; we did have the factory cut an access port (since we had some leakage there - the infamous anchor locker drain), and it is full of foam.

We're thinking of you two.

Best wishes,
Jim

Valkyrie · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 8:33 am Post subject:

Casey,

Good to see you on the site. Hope you and your wife have a great Thanksgiving.

I added hatches to Valkyrie this year and it was one of the best mods that we have done. As far as your question goes, I believe that you answered it yourself in your sentence about moon phases!

I was surprised how little foam there was when I started cutting. I found that a drywall hand saw, large flat bladed screwdriver and short pry bar worked best for getting out the foam.

Take care,

Nick
"Valkyrie"

richnkay · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 9:21 am Post subject:

Casey,
Don't forget a good dust mask if you are going to be sawing through your glass deck. I too found a small flexible hand saw to work well cutting out the foam, and a paint scraper to get close to the hull. plastic garbage bags for the scrap foam and a hand vac will help keep the mess down and out of the rest of the boat. Not a real fun job but the gain in storage space when needed is worth it, IMHO.
Rich

Casey · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 10:06 am Post subject:

Riddle solved

I have two plastic plugs under each V-berth, and one in the area forward of the porta-pottie. Now I know what I'll be dealing with!

Thanks for the input.

Casey