Foam in V-Berth or not?

[Sunbeam]

Just replacing the cutout with board lips sounds like a good inexpensive idea, if I cut on top the area

I imagine it varies from person to person, but I actually prefer the "loose hatch" style and not because it's cheaper (I find it's actually more work because the cutout will show, and I fabricate a lid, plus futz with the cleats/installation), but because I find it easier to access when possibly burrowing under a cushion. Yes, sometimes I remove the whole cushion and put it somewhere else, but inevitably there are times I just want to reach in and grab something without moving the whole shooting match. With a flat lid you can just slide it to the side and then reach in the hole, perhaps propping the cushion up. Seems like a hinged lid would make that less pleasant. On the other hand, by using a pre-made hatch unit with hinged lid, you can just cut a hole, no need for it to be perfect, and drop the hatch in..... so I can see that preference too.

I am very interested in the hatch rim that Mike recently showed on his Glenda Jean, because in a way it's the best of both worlds. I couldn't find a like one online, but then it's a difficult item to find precise search words for. It almost looks like either a window frame unit but without the glass, or a long extrusion that is bent around some kind of form on site?

I suppose one could use the cutout as the hatch lid, but I imagine it will have a somewhat "unwonderful" edge due to being cored. It could be smoothed though. I figured I would probably make lids of nice plywood, but I guess I'd have to see the cutouts first. I wouldn't use mechanical fasteners for the cleats, but would epoxy them beneath and clamp them to the top as they cured.

Sunbeam

 

[colbysmith]

Thanks Joe. I think if I go ahead with the project, I'll do something like those photos. I agree with Sunbeam about it being easier with that style lid to just move it aside and reach in to grab whatever.

 

[Grazer]

I just finished digging out all the foam in my 2004. I plan to install 3 hatches on the side compartments - 2 aft of porta potti and 1 behind the loo. I expect to find it easier to access these compartment hatches without having to lift the cushion which is typically filled with sleeping bags, fishing gear, clothes bags etc. My question has to do with the foam located immediately under the potty. I would like to remove it to ensure that no pointy screws are poking through from the brass keel strip installation (as I have read has occurred on some boats). I did find some slightly damp foam in that area. Maybe condensation or maybe some potty mishap leaked down the 2" access hole. This flat piece is cored, but was wondering if it will flex and cause the gelcoat to crack? Anyone else done this and removed foam below where the potty sits? Many thanks.
Grazer

 

[SEA3PO]

I am right in the middle of that project now.... I am using one of the stern hatch covers I replaced with the ones that do not leak.....I found that my 2003 had lots of foam....I tried breaking it out...too much work so I went to Harbor Freight and bought some 24 grit sanding disks for my 6" sander...it eats that stuff up like it was butter...kinda dusty but it sure takes the work out of it...and gives it a smooth finish... I wanted to make a box that was bigger than the hatch so I had to make it in reverse... the screws are on the inside...and have to assemble inside the hole...it's a job but makes a neat little box...it is only 7" deep...as the side of the boat angles in at the bottom...but 7" is plenty...I drilled a hole in the bottom of the box so I can hold it up while I assemble it...plus once finished I plan on re-foaming around it...should work well... then put the black plug back in.

I had to put in a hatch as I have moved my batteries up forward in a locker I built in back of the porta pot... should help balance the boat out. I needed an access under the berth to run my battery cables...

This project has been way more work than I had expected...but should be worth it... (I hope)


Joel
SEA3PO