Hatch Support

[Roscoetuff]

Hatches. Some have creaky sail ripping support arms. Many have nothing. Some have friction hinges to hold the dang thing open. Mine has nothing. Fine for passing sails through without a rip. Not so good for holding open when you're sleeping below.

Possible solutions:

1) Low-tech: Get a cheapie clamp, clamp to the deck and coat the other end to hold the thing open.

2) Expensive: Replace the hatch with a new friction hinge, and Ebay the old one.

3) Sweat like a dog and hypnotise yourself into thinking this is fun

Recommendations?

[CaptainForce]

Like many cruisers we have large plastic cups sitting in each of our hatch screens and a couple of sticks with strategic notches that are longer. "low tech" is always a easy and functional optiuon. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[T34C]

I've seen many a hatch with a cup, can, or bottle holding it open...

[sailingdog]

Or you could make an adjustable sliding arm that is attached to the hatch and to the hatch frame that uses something like a thumbwheel to hold in position. Many factory hatches come with something similar. Not too difficult to make, and not very expensive to buy.

[SJ34]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Or you could make an adjustable sliding arm that is attached to the hatch and to the hatch frame that uses something like a thumbwheel to hold in position. Many factory hatches come with something similar. Not too difficult to make, and not very expensive to buy.

Bomar hatches use this type of support.

West Marine used to sell a cheapo plastic hatch support that folded like a pair of scissors. You would use an uncoated aspirin tablet to hold the "Scissor" open. If the tablet got wet, such as during a rain or heavy dew, it would dissolve and close the hatch. I don't know if they are still available but I used them on a previous to keep it aired out. Security wasn't a big worry then.

[carl762]

that's extremely cool SJ34.

My poor struts are starting to wear out on my two hatches.

[WanderingStar]

I stick an oak belaying pin in mine. The shaft fits right in the frame.

[southwindphoto]

wood 2x2 peace of wood with a V cut in to one side of it

[FishSticks]

[SJ34]

Spam alert!!!