Flush Mount Aluminum Hatch
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Flush Mount Aluminum Hatch

The easiest way to buy custom aluminum boat hatches, online.

Instant pricing, easy ordering, and fast delivery!

Delivered ready to install.

Completely assembled and ready to drop in any existing cutout in your boat deck.

Fully customizable

Choose your dimensions, weight rating, colors, latch selection, gas springs, and other options.

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$0.01

The lead time for this product is approximately 2-3 weeks

Specify Your Requirements

Cutout Opening Length (in) (hinge side)* ?
Cutout Opening Width (in)* ?
Hatch Duty* ?
Hatch Surface*
Hatch Color*
Latch Selection*
Number of Latches
Latch Lock*
Stiffening System*
Lid Support* ?
Flange Mounting Holes*
Customization Requests

Calculated Price

SKU: A01668 Category: Tags: , , , ,

Need help understanding the form? Everything you need to know is explained below:

Keys to Understand

  1. The hatches are sized by the cutout opening they are being installed in. 
    1. The clear open area within the drain channel will be 4″ less than the cutout opening.
    2. The mounting flange is 1.5″ wide all around on the standard hatch and 2″ wide on the HD hatch.
  2. The exact final price will be displayed at the bottom of the form, above “Add to Cart” button. Add the tank(s) to your cart, and use the cart page or checkout page to see the shipping cost and options.

How the process works

  1. Order your hatch online. With instant pricing including shipping, this is as easy as it gets.
  2. Track your order during production. With our nifty order status tool, you can look up the current activity on your project in our manufacturing process.
  3. Install your hatch. Our hatches come fully assembled and ready to drop in.

Enter the cutout opening in which you’ll install the hatch. 

Give us the exact opening measurement – don’t add or subtract anything for clearance. We’ll take care of that detail.

The hinge will be located on the edge you enter for “LENGTH”. While this is usually also the longest edge, it doesn’t have to be.

Dimension definitions: 

  • Cutout Opening: this is the “rough opening” rectangle that the hatch will drop into.
  • Clear Opening: the open area inside the drain channel that you can access the space below the hatch through. Since the channel is 2″ wide, the clear opening is 4″ less than the cutout opening
  • Overall Dimensions: the hatch flanges for mounting are 1.5″ wide for the standard 1/8″ hatch and 2″ wide for the HD 3/16″ hatch.

Example: If you order a hatch that is 24″x18″:

  • The hinge and latch will be on the 24″ long edge.
  • The hatch will drop into a 24×18 opening.
  • You will have a 20×14 “clear” opening (i.e., you can fit an object this size through the hoel)
  • The overall size including the mounting flange will be 27″x21″ or 28″x22″ depending on standard or HD hatch selection.

If you don’t have a cutout in your deck already, then you can work backwards from the clear opening or overall size you want to figure out the cutout opening.

Select Standard or Commercial HD hatch duty. 

Standard Hatch

  • for smaller hatches on recreational boats (note: our standard hatch is still much stronger than OEM hatches)
  • add stiffeners for foot traffic

Commercial Heavy Duty Hatch

  • for larger hatches and larger vessels, or area requiring extra strength
  • can also be used for smaller hatches without requiring stiffeners
  • with stiffening grid, we design these for 200 lb/sq ft deck load rating, required for commercial vessels.

Thickness: 

  • Standard hatch: 0.125″ (1/8″) thick flange, lid, and stiffeners
  • Commercial HD hatch: 0.188″ (3/16″) thick flange, lid, and stiffeners.

Choose your hatch surface: 

  • Smooth surface
  • Diamond Plate aka Tread Plate

Note: if you choose diamond plate, only the lid will have the embossed pattern. The flange channel can’t be made from diamond plate.

Choose the hatch color.

  • Bare aluminum
  • Black or white powder coat

Note: powder coating will add 1-2 weeks to lead-time, since all hatches are built to order.

Can we do custom colors? 

Yes, with limitations.

  1. Simple changes: default powder coating is glossy white or black. We can change it to matte finish.
  2. If you have non-specific color request: e.g., simple gray or off-white.
  3. We can’t exactly match the color of your paint remotely. It’s best to compare to color sample cards in person, in direct sunlight, to match up. Therefore, we’d recommend purchasing the hatch in bare aluminum and then having it powder coated or painted locally where you can match the color yourself.
  4. If you have a specific RAL color code, we can use that to order powder. However, this will add some time to your order.

Select the latch style. 

Gemlux 316 Stainless 2.5in Compression Latch

  • Our favorite latch style due to yacht-level quality and ease of use.
  • Compression action compresses lid and hatch seal evenly.
  • This latch is watertight.
  • Available in locking or non-locking

Gemlux 2.5in Compression Latch

Perko Compression Latch

  • Economical black plastic latch found on many production boats.
  • Somewhat watertight.
  • Available in locking or non-locking

Perko 2.5″ Compression Latch

Gemlux 316 Stainless 2in Slam Latch

  • Push to close functionality.
  • Not watertight – more suitable for covered or interior areas, or vertical door installation.
  • Available in locking or non-locking

Gemlux 2in Slam Latch

Select if you want stiffening in the hatch lid.

Add Stiffeners

  • Standard hatches: we will design stiffening to support foot traffic over hatch.
  • Heavy duty hatches: we will design stiffening to support 200 lb/sqft deck load rating and heavy foot traffic with minimal flex

No stiffeners

  • Suitable for smaller standard hatches (e.g. less than 18″) or those with no foot traffic
  • Smaller HD hatches with foot traffic.

Select what kind of lid support you want.

No lid support

  • The lid will rotate freely on the hinge with no opening or closing assist.
  • Use caution with heavy or large latches where a closing lid could injure.
  • The range of opening motion about 150 degrees.

Gas Springs

  • Marine duty gas springs assist with easy closing, opening, and holding open the hatch lid.
  • Strongly recommended for larger lids where there is a risk of the lid slamming shut and injuring.
  • Gives lid a smooth opening feeling.

Coiled Spring

  • Supports the lid when it’s all the way open.
  • Break the support by bending the spring to close the lid.

Select if you want mounting holes in the flange for fasteners. 

Standard Hatches: 

  • Holes for #10 or 3/16″ rivets, spaced 6″ max apart.

HD Hatches

  • Holes for 1/4″ screws or rivets, spaced 6″ max apart.

Installation note: we recommend mechanically fastening the hatches with a sealant under the flange, even if you are installing on an aluminum boat. While welding the hatch in is an option, use caution not to distort the deck excessively.

Enter any other details you would like to request if not covered by form options. 

Every hatch is custom made to your specifications, and we’ll accommodate any reasonable requests for customization. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before placing your order.

Flush Mount Aluminum Hatch

Our custom flush mount hatches are delivered completely assembled and ready to drop in any existing cutout in your boat deck. The weathertight hatch assemblies are suitable for installing on boat decks as well as vertical surfaces for door access. Specify your deck cutout dimensions and other options below to order your hatch.

Our CNC formed hatch channel is designed to integrate the mounting flange, drainage channel, and seal ledge with a single component. This means that the hatch frame only needs to be welded at the corners and there will be minimal distortion and bowing in the frame.

Standard features:

  • Delivered fully assembled and function – no tedious assembly required.
  • Full length aluminum piano hinge with stainless fasteners.
  • (2) 3/8″ NPT drain hole in gutter channel with 5/8″ hose barbs.
  • Ultra weather resistant EPDM hatch seal on lid 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″ (standard) and 2″ (HD) on all 4 sides. The overall hatch dimensions will therefore be +3″/+4″ 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 30″. 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 20″) don’t need a stiffener unless they are frequently stood on.
  • We recommend adding the stiffener option if any hatch dimension exceeds 20″, or if there will be frequent loads standing on the hatch.
  • The stiffening system on the Commercial HD version is rated for 200 lbs/sqft and heavy traffic.

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.

Shipping Information

The shipping options and cost will be displayed in the cart and checkout screen when you add the tanks to your cart.

You have the option to select LTL Freight, UPS Ground, or Local Pickup. The shipping options and price are accurately calculated to include the shipment(s) dimensions, weight, and your location.

Read more about each option below:

LTL Freight means your item will ship on a pallet and delivered via large truck.

Freight shipping is calculated based on your shipping address and the size/weight of the hatch(es). Freight shipping on a pallet is always safest shipping method for the hatch to arrive undamaged.

Locations for freight shipping

  • Commercial address:
    • Typically zoned as commercial or industrial real estate, with reasonable tractor-trailer access and a loading dock or a forklift. Commercial addresses are assumed to be open for business daily during regular hours, and do not require liftgate or appointment services. This is the lowest cost location.
  • Terminal Pickup:
    • The cart and checkout page will display an option for pickup at the closest carrier terminal to you, with an address and distance. When the shipment arrives at the terminal, you will be notified to arrange pickup. Terminal pickup is also the lowest cost option.
  • Limited Access or Residential:
    • Residential – Residential addresses are automatically detected in the checkout page. These deliveries require an appointment delivery, liftgate service, and often transfer to a smaller box truck.
    • Limited Access or non-commercial includes Marinas, Yacht Clubs, Camps, Churches, Construction Sites, Convents, Country Clubs, Estates, Golf Courses, Farms, Military bases, Mini-storage warehouses, Nursing homes, Prisons, Rectory or Schools, and other such locations.
    • Residential and limited access both add about $200 to the shipping cost of LTL freight.

LTL Freight Add-ons

  • Liftgate – select this option your commercial address is not equipped with a loading dock. It is automatically included in residential and limited access deliveries.
  • Shipments 96″ OR LONGER: a length dimension of 96″ or greater incurs an oversize surcharge on LTL shipping. If your item length can be reduced to 95″, you’ll save a lot of money on shipping.

Ocean vs Air Freight and International Freight

Yes, we can send your freight shipment to Hawaii, Alaska, and internationally. The rates presented will be ocean-going routes, which typically add 2-3 weeks to normal transit time.

We can get air freight rates as an optional upgrade to your order, but they must be requested manually one at a time to the carrier. These are called “spot quotes”. Let us know if you want to know the cost difference between ocean and air freight.

Final Words

We work hard to ensure that shipping costs are reconciled with the customer to guarantee a fair and precise charge. Should the actual cost be lower than what you’ve paid, a refund for the difference in shipping will be issued. Conversely, if the payment falls significantly short, we will notify you and issue an invoice for the extra amount during the design phase. Our freight calculator is typically very accurate, making such adjustments infrequent.

UPS Ground Delivery.

If the shipment is small enough, a UPS Ground rate may be presented.

A word of caution: 

  • Despite our best packaging efforts, UPS and other ground carriers are notoriously hard on heavy and larger packages. If you are presented with both UPS and LTL freight options, consider the value in using LTL Freight to ensure you custom tank arrives safely and on time.

You also have the option to pickup your item at our manufacturing facility located in Covington, LA.

Local pickups will be charged sales tax at our physical location in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana (9.25%) and you will be notified by email and phone when your item is complete and ready for pickup.

Flush Mount Aluminum Hatch

The easiest way to buy custom aluminum boat hatches, online.

Instant pricing, easy ordering, and fast delivery!

Delivered ready to install.

Completely assembled and ready to drop in any existing cutout in your boat deck.

Fully customizable

Choose your dimensions, weight rating, colors, latch selection, gas springs, and other options.

Our custom flush mount hatches are delivered completely assembled and ready to drop in any existing cutout in your boat deck. The weathertight hatch assemblies are suitable for installing on boat decks as well as vertical surfaces for door access. Specify your deck cutout dimensions and other options below to order your hatch.

Our CNC formed hatch channel is designed to integrate the mounting flange, drainage channel, and seal ledge with a single component. This means that the hatch frame only needs to be welded at the corners and there will be minimal distortion and bowing in the frame.

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