Standard features:

• Full length aluminum piano hinge with stainless fasteners.
• Drain hole in gutter channel with welded 5/8″ hose barb.
• Rubber hatch seal on lead underside.

Options:

• Finish: bare aluminum, diamond plate, or powdercoating. Powdercoating will add 1-2 weeks to leadtime.
• Upgraded thickness for commercial applications.
• Gemlux stainless steel or Perko latches.
• Locking or non-locking. Orders of multiple locking latches will be keyed alike.
• Gas springs or coiled spring lid supports.
• Pre-machined hole patterns for deck flange.
• Welded stiffeners on underside of lid.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need additional customization.

Dimensions

• The hatch ordering dimensions are based on the cutout opening you will fit the hatch in.
• The hatch flange will overlap the cutout by 1.5″ on all 4 sides. The overall hatch dimensions will therefore be +3″ greater than the cutout size.
• The gutter channel is 2″ wide all around. The clear opening inside the drain gutter channel is -4″ less than the cutout opening.
• If you are ordering for a trapezoidal cutout, use the greater of the 2 edge measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many latches do I need? 

• We recommend 2 latches when the hatch length exceeds 36″. With a long hatch and a single latch, the corners may not compress the seal adequately.

Do I need the stiffener system? 

• Small standard hatches (both dimensions under 24″) don’t need a stiffener unless they are frequently stood on.
• We recommend adding the stiffener option if any hatch dimension exceeds 24″, or if there will be frequent loads standing on the hatch.
• The stiffener system is a requirement if you’re selecting the Commercial HD version.

What is the Commercial HD version? 

• The lid and frame thickness is increased to 0.188″
• The stiffener grid is designed to support heavier loads.
• Recommended for commercial applications or large deck access hatches (>36in on both sides)

Are the hatches watertight? 

• The correct definition is WEATHER-TIGHT. Our hatches are sealed where the contact the flange lip and they will drain water that enters the channel through a 5/8 drain barb, which can be plumbed overboard or into the bilge. The hatch will keep your compartment dry so long as you allow the channel to drain properly.
• The term watertight means you can submerge the hatch under a head of water and it will not leak. Truly watertight hatches require a least 4 compression dogs and precision machining of thick billets

How do you install the hatches?

• The hatches should be installed by screwing, bolting, or riveting it to the deck surface with a quality adhesive sealant. We can pre-machine this hole pattern for you.
• You can also weld the hatch directly to your aluminum deck, although you must be cautious of excessive warping of the deck and hatch when welding such a large perimeter. We generally recommend mechanically fastening even for aluminum boats.