Boat Hatches
Boat hatches are important because it not only aid in ventilating the boat(yacht) but it also help to prevent water from seeping into the boat!
As such, it is important to get a good hatch for your boat. A good one doesn’t have to be expensive, you can easily go to Amazon.com or any boat parts retailers to get them.
Boat hatches comes in 2 main types: clear hatches and opaque hatches.
Clear hatches are usually made of polycarbonate and acrylic. Clear hatches have hatch lenses which would require occasional replacements. The reason is simple. Boat cleansers, sunlight and pollutants will gradually degrade these ‘plastic’, causing the “blurring” of the hatch lenses. The replacement process by a professional could cost hundreds of dollars for a leak-free hatch lens.
For boat owners who currently have such clear hatches, you can try the suggestions below to protect your hatch lens.
1) Cover the hatch with a cloth so as to keep it away from the sun and the pollutants in the air.
2) Stick a clear sheet of plastic covers over the hatch. (Similar to the iPhone plastic protectors)
Perhaps, future boat owners would want to consider the need of having an opaque hatch instead of a clear one now. After all, you can enjoy the view with the sea breeze by climbing up the hatch!
Opaque hatches are usually made with either wood or plastic. Both have their own beauty and appeal. The wood hatch gives a touch of Balinese culture while the plastic ones come in different colors to suit one’s personality. In fact, plastic hatches can be painted every now and then to give your boat a whole new look.
Opaque hatches are usually easier to maintain. The important part lies in getting a good one. It is worth the investment.
For those who want to replace an existing hatch, add in a new hatch (opening) or expand the current opening, remember to take the measurements, don’t get one too small or too big and waste your money.
If in doubt, do cultivate a habit to refer back to your boat’s documentation for identifying the right size and style hatch you need. I would advise those who want to expand the current opening as it is a tricky process. Engage help, read up or talk to anyone who has knowledge in doing so. For instance, a marine engineer.
For old boats, replacements for the boat hatches may be more difficult as manufacturers move to the production of newer ones. As such, custom made hatches would be advisable. Alternatively, you can also alter a hatch to fit in the opening.
Remember, before installing any hatch, plan out what to do exactly. Planning is key.
