[huguley3]

While putting new bolts in the plexiglass cover for the hole my cockpit it cracked. Not a huge thing to get a new piece of plexi but I am wondering if I can do something else with it to make it less mental. Right now the power and the bracket to hold the autopilot are mounted on it so the cord is in the way if you have it hooked up. Here is a pic of it just in case I am not describing it well. Is it an inspection hatch or called something else?

I am planning to move the autopoilot controller to the pedestal on a platform similar to the gps. So I could just put a blank piece of plexi back there which would be the simplest thing. I don't think a shelf there would be terribly useful. I kind of like the idea of putting a window there so the quarter berth gets some more light. A screen in it would get trashed quickly but a flush mounted window would not get in the way much. That would mean redoing the liner in there but it dovetails with the windows I need to fix. The liner on the bunk is pretty much done for as the staples rusted and it looks pretty nasty with the mattress out. Would be good to get some more air back in there too.

So would a window be a funny thing there? I could also just fiberglass the hole over and forget about it for now. I could always add a window later then if it seemed like a good idea.

 

[kaluvic]

I think the window is a good idea....also it would be a nice place for a small open locker to the cockpit...a place for binoculars....sandwich....extra line....
You could make an insert that screws/seals around the edges with a net on the front.

 

[bljones]

a window is good, but kaluvic has a good idea about adding a cockpit locker:

West Marine: Cargo Net Storage Pocket Product Display

 

[sailingdog]

Why not put in a opening inspection hatch, instead of screwing a piece of plexiglass to the hull.

photo courtesy of Beckson.

A small opening port would be a nice option too, but not as feasible, if that is the area you would lean back against as it appears to be.

 

[huguley3]

I thought the opening inspection hatch would be good too except that there really is not much to see in there. About the only thing there is the shore power cord and you cant get at the screws to the power cables anyway. I know I tried. The bolts for the winches and cleats are easy enough to get at from inside the quarter berth.

I agree that screwing a piece of plexi to the fiberglass was kind of dumb and I am wondering why they chose to do that. Does anyone know if the hole was made by the factory and maybe there was a proper hatch or pocket there. I looked on yachtworld but could not find any pics of that side of the cockpit. I guess it does not really matter it is what it is but it would be interesting to know why it is that way.

 

[Omatako]

I'd go with the cockpit locker. In fact not only would I, I am. I have a silly little instrument panel in a very similar spot and I intend moving the insturments so I will fit a locker in the aperture that will house stuff that is needed on board but doesn't like to get wet (camera, binocs, etc).
I'm sure my instrument panel began it's life as a locker.

 

[huguley3]

A locker does seem like a really good idea. On my boat the storage is pretty seriously lacking. There is a small cubby for winches and what not in the cockpit but it holds water in it so you have to sponge it out before you can put anything in it that is not happy in the water.

I will have to start looking into doing that. Maybe I can get a locker with a clear plexi bottom that can double as a skylight for the quarter berth.

 

[badsanta]

serch this in ebay Item number: 250341213850. sorry the photo would not transfer. They have other like items. Good luck

 

[jarcher]

Is it possible to put fiberglass on the inside then put in gel coat and just basically make the entire opening go away?