hatch fasteners

[Fitz87]

I'm rebedding my hatch with butyl tape and though I would ask...

The aluminum hatch frame was screwed down with self tapping ss screws except the hinge which was through bolted. In general I think of through bolting as a better method. Any thoughts or opinions? I guess it's not like a cleat that gets pulled much (hopefully)! Is there a good reason (other than how it looks on the inside) NOT to bolt the sucker down - just to be on the safe side?

Thanks,
Fitz

[mitiempo]

I'd bolt it through. I don't think screws are a good choice for anything major on deck. Properly potted holes if there is a core.

[SVCarolena]

I replaced one of our deck hatches yesterday. The old hatch was held down by self tapping screws. The new Lewmar hatch recommends through bolts around the hinges and self tapping screws otherwise. I decided to split the baby - all corners are through bolted along with the hinge area, and the middle fasteners are self tapping. It came down to using bolts and washers where I could get good access between the deck and cabin liner, and screws otherwise. I also used butyl tape to seal the new hatch.