Forward hatch

O

OUTRIGGER

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C Dory Year
2004
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Bella Juliette
Sitting on the forward hatch? Can the forward acrylic hatch take any weight?
When at anchor we have the little blue go-anwhere seat from West Marine and would like to sit on the forward deck, but the only place level & big enough is on the hatch. We also have a Catalina 25 and it's forward hatch is solid, you can sit and stand on it. Has anyone converted a C-Dory to a solid hatch?
Thanks for your help.
 
I woudn't trust it, personally. I don't even step on it when I'm cleaning the boat.
 
Eventually it will crack at the corners.
 
You could make a plywood (at least 1/2"--better 3/4" thick) cover. I would put a felt on the side which is over the acrylic of the hatch. They do get stepped on and generally don't break, but with time, the crazing etc will increase. If making a plywood cover, I would put some shallow cleats on all four sides, so it would not slip off the hatch.
 
In my photo album in the modifications folder is a picture of a hammock I made that attaches to the roof rails and bow rail. It's really handy, comfortable and stows easily

.
 
Marvin, here is the photo of your hammock. Nice ideal

DSC_0021.sized.jpg

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I too would not suggest stepping on the forward hatch.
 
No sense walking on the hatch if it can be skirted safely. Much depends on construction of shoe bottom since a wide sole will distribute weight better. I usually place a throw cushion on the hatch before sitting on it.
John
 
You could make a frame of 1x2 lumber or Starboard sides with a plywood or thick plexi top cover that would transfer the sitting weight to the area surrounding the hatch well. You could hold it in place with heavy velcro pads.

I' ve seen this done on many sailboats and they often glue marine carpet to the top surface. It also makes a nice light block and privacy curtain for the bunk.

John
 
marvin4239":3rcut63b said:
In my photo album in the modifications folder is a picture of a hammock I made that attaches to the roof rails and bow rail. It's really handy, comfortable and stows easily

.
Click to expand...

Great minds think alike, Marvin. We've had one for years and there's nothing like it.
Big_Bear_s_Hammock.sized.jpg
Al
 
Thank you everyone for your replies and helpful information. I will build a plywood cover for the hatch and love the hammock idea also.
 
Hey Moose I agree although I think I got the idea from you!
 
Yellowstone":2rchxnjy said:
Much depends on construction of shoe bottom since a wide sole will distribute weight better.
Click to expand...

I'll have to remember that the next time Meredith is walking around the boat in her bikini and spike-healed pumps. :thup










:wink:
 
Like others, I've been cautious and have gingerly avoided stepping or sitting on the hatch cover.
 
localboy":ybntajo9 said:
I'll have to remember that the next time Meredith is walking around the boat in her bikini and spike-healed pumps. :thup :wink:
Click to expand...

As svelte as Meredith is she could jump with her "spike-heeled pumps" from the cabin roof on to the hatch and do absolutely no damage. :D

You however, given the same scenario, would do a lot of damage. :mrgreen:
 
DaveS":wp7l1fz7 said:
localboy":wp7l1fz7 said:
I'll have to remember that the next time Meredith is walking around the boat in her bikini and spike-healed pumps. :thup :wink:
Click to expand...

As svelte as Meredith is she could jump with her "spike-heeled pumps" from the cabin roof on to the hatch and do absolutely no damage. :D

You however, given the same scenario, would do a lot of damage. :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

I'd do a lot of damage in more than one way. Trust me, no one wants to see me dressed like that. :lol:
 
I really like the hammocks that Moose and Marvin have, but I am concerned about the strain it would put on things....particularly the brow of the roof. Have either of you had any issues with the hammocks? How much weight have you put in them? Thannks.

Rob
 
Rob I haven't had any issues and I weigh about 180 lbs. I don't think Moose's design connects to the roof rails. I guess half my weight is on the brow or about 45 lbs at each connection point. I think if I built another one I would make it support from the bowrail only but so far no problem.
 
Rob & Karen":3a1qwe6t said:
I really like the hammocks that Moose and Marvin have, but I am concerned about the strain it would put on things....particularly the brow of the roof. Have either of you had any issues with the hammocks? How much weight have you put in them? Thannks.

Rob
Click to expand...

I was wondering the same. I'm very careful not to put any weight (no stepping) on the brow.

The hammocks look great though!
 
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