looking for thoughts , feedback , etc
my boat 89 38 scarab has large single engine hatch. I hate it, as you cant access a lot of stuff.
my 86 33 scarab had barn door style engine hatches, it was much easier to work on things.
my thought is cut my hatch in half, fore to aft, reinforce the underside for strength and hinges.

sound ??????
anyone every done something like this or made their own hatch?
saw an older post, guy made hatch out of aluminum .

winter project.

Have seen a couple made out of aluminum-very heavy. Opening from the sides is nice, allows access from swim platform. If you hinge it form the side you will almost certainly have to reinforce the side of the openings for the hinges not to pull out. If I am doing any major work on mine, I just remove the hatch.

i'd would cut it in half front to back in a heartbeat.

first i would install the new hinges on both sides of the hatch before you take off the rears (alignment)

take off the hatch and cut it, i have a 20 dollar 6' level from harbor freight i use only for a straight edge it flexes a little so you can clamp it down on the hatch to use a a fence for the circle saw.

bet you won't need mods w/ the hinges on the side unless you can see sunlight thru it

I just did this this summer to my 33AVS Scarab, cut hatch for to aft, built a frame, made a removable cross bar, put dual rams on it and had upholstery re-done. I also got rid of the stupid head pods on hatch.

hello katanna, that is what i do now,,just remove hatch. but it would be much easier just to open a set of "barn door"".

hello articfriend...you in michigan also??
now thats what i am talking about...hatches..barn door style
did u add ribbing on underside of hatches ??
also did u add extra plate or someting where hinge mount to boat rails??
i was thinking of adding like 1/4 plate on boat rails, either on the underside or on top under the grab bar.

thanks....flash out...........

ahhh...GOOD ADVICE.....
align , then new hinges..then cut..sounds like good plan
thanks.......

My upholstery guy mounted the dana hinges on plares he had made, he attached them with 10/32 screws, too light duty. I had a few of the hold down screws break, not from hatches bouncing but from stress rams put on it when opening with leverage point in hatch designed to get hatches vertical when open, i chsnged the broken ones to 1/4 20 stanless bolts, changing the rest when i pull the motors this spring.