I-28 forward hatch strut?

[Skipaway]

Here’s the hatch as currently fitted. The dowel is my current way of keeping it open for ventilation.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/attach...1&d=1239413321

I’d like to get a strut or some other mechanism for propping it open. I’d also like to replace those “latches”. Wondering what others have done. Tips and suggestions welcome (including how to post pictures!).

[mbeland]

Hey Charlie, I'll try to get some pics for you in the next couple of days. Your hatch looks stock except there should be a cam-based shaft from the aft side of the hatch to hold it at nearly any angle. With that curved built-in hatch I think any change would either require new custom plastic ($$$) or a complete new hatch (which would likely look terrible).

BTW, I have Islander 28 #256, '78, in Everett.

[Skipaway]

Are you "PNW Matt" on SA? I've been following your thread. You've done so much more than I have in much less time. I haven't even posted my serious issues yet.

Is there a label or part number on your cam-based shaft? That’s what I’m looking for. I don't like either of the options for changing the forward hatch. I was hoping for a prior solution that works.

It so happens GoodOldBoat magazine came yesterday: someone used a notched board to support a Newport 28 hatch; at least it is an upgrade to my dowel.

Look forward to your pics.

I have hull #108, 1976.

[mbeland]

I got a picture but no way to post it. Want me to email it to you? There are no markings of any kind on the fitting itself or near the hatch, but you might try asking Bob Perry over in Cruising Anarchy if he has a source. I've gotten some good stuff from him specifically on islanders before, although my understanding is a lot of the details on the I-28 were settled at the factory without his input (they did their own shop drawings, for example.)

[mbeland]

Silly me. There's the attachment button.

[Skipaway]

Thank you. That gives me a guideline on what to look for. In the meantime, the spinaker pole topping lift works well (as long as I don't have to adjust from inside).

[mbeland]

Hey Skip, while talking to another I-28 owner in Everett he mentioned that Mark Plastics sells a matching hatch for the I-28 and that the owner recommended a two-strut mount for holding it open. Haven't talked to them myself but you might give them a call.

Mark Plastics

Oh yeah, and yes, that's my thread on SA.

[hellosailor]

Mark plastics is supposed to be an original supplier for the I28 so they should know what will work with it.

Personally I like the big "springs" that you can push up to hold a hatch up, and "bend" down to pull a hatch down. No midrange available that way, but they sure are fast and easy.

[Skipaway]

Thanks for the responses. Once again, trying to do a little thing, like buy a part and install it, becomes complex. I really do have much higher priorities to address (you'll be hearing about them!).

In the meantime, I realized I would not likely be using the spinaker with the hatch open. So it's halyard is available and is infinitely adjustable, if one doesn't mind doing it from the cockpit.