What to make engine hatch out of??
 

Just like the title states, I'm looking to redesign my interior. I plan on removing the lay down front seats, engine cover and rear jump seats. I'd like to make a engine hatch/ sun deck and a rear bench seat.

My question is, what to use for the sun deck? I was thinking maybe a 1x1 aluminum frame with 1/4" wood on both sides. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

post a pik..is it flat? curved? how big? I would not do as you described, you will blow right thru a 1/4 piece of wood.

It will be flat, possibly with a 1x1 aluminum tubing subframe structure.

How thick does it need to be?? If its flat I would just throw 2 layers of 1708 over a piece of marine ply....

Well I know it'll need some strength in case the wife and kids want to lay on it.

I don't know what most hatches are made out of, hence the question at hand.

I did aluminum. You can check it out here.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/v...rogress-7.html

You could possibly use coosa board instead of plywood for rot prevention, just a idea. It might would be a couple lbs lighter as well.

That's pretty sweet!!

I pan on doing a padded engine cover so we can lay out on it and such.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...pscd37bbc4.jpg

^^I'm looking to make an interior similar to this^^

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps478409e5.jpg[/URL]
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps3adb2000.jpg
You will need some bracing under the hatch of you plan on standing, laying or sitting on it. this one is plywood, glass and dimensional lumber for bracing.