SLINGSHOT

I DONT HAVE DECK HATCHES, I HAVE A SMALL 1/4 CABIN, WHAT ARE THE BADS ABOUT PUTTING TWO SMALL HATCHES IN?

Iggy

Cutting holes in the deck??

I'm planning on doing the same for mine.
Deck hatches were an option on my Formula. There's a wooden frame glassed in on the underside of the deck where they would go. All I have to do is buy the right size and cut the holes out.

In fact that's something I didn't think of. If you do put one in, glass in a mounting frame on the underside because I'm sure the hatches are screwed down.
If you're mounting one in the center and there's a raised spine down the middle, you'll have build a spacer to go around the hatch to fill in the gap.

Miller

I'd call either Saccenti or McManus and ask them about cutting into the deck before I'd proceed. I think you've said that your boat was built by McManus but I can't remember. I'd start there in any event.

Wardey

Think of it as an egg shell. It's strong as one piece but after you crack it , it is very weak !!! Unless it was supported in the lay up. Wardey

Mbam

The deck around the hatches is the last place it will fail. I had put a set on my old 36' Cig, wound up hating them. Ugly, clamps always loosening up, someone would forget to latch it and pow - bouncing open at 90 MPH. I was afraid it would come off and take someones head off. Wound up with 1/2" Lexan bolted down with 5200, no air but at least some light. If you do install them, at least mount them so they open to the rear or side so they can't catch air at speed.

later

i think for the few times youll actually use your cabin it would not be worth installing hatches and breaking up the clean looks of the deck. most 1/4 cabins ive seen end up as a storage area for fenders and such.
later

SLINGSHOT

i almost was going to getrid of the rails, they only go down one side anyway