Engine Hatch Redesign
 

No matter what i do with my engine i will have to redesign the engine hatch . The engine sits high and the flame arrestor already is up in the scoop . Headers keep it from closing by about 1 1/2" . I need something low profile and sleek looking on the sides and aft that will also afford splash protection . The forward section needs to be high enough to make rear seating comfortable and nice looking . The top part of the engine and headers will have to be exposed and should look hot that way . Any ideas on how to go about this ?? At this point i am at a loss because this is something i can't do myself and it look moffesional ...:lolhit: Boats = Change one thing and then you must change ten other things to make it work !!
PS: Lightweight but strong would be a bonus , this one is really heavy and ugly .

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...ps700083f9.jpg

did one similar to that several years ago on a Force Cat. Quite a bit shorter but similar none the less. Are you looking to do finished glass or upholstered? lightweight and strong is not a stretch these days.

Save time and $$$$$ like this guy...... 1X4 with drywall screws and your back in water within minutes styling like the big boys.

He came in for us to fix his engine rigging but because of funding issues we sent him on his way with only pictures taken for future reference.

the deep. Can You post a picture of the hatch open. That would show more of what You need. I'm sure Glass Dave can build a beautiful lid. Artie

Can't get much sexier than that right there . :whistle:

I will take pics and post tomorrow . Going to be pretty busy today .

Finished glass or upholstered , at this point i'm undecided . That hatch is very similar to what i have in mind minus the scoop .

Finished glass would look great on Your boat. IMO. Artie

Finished glass would look the best, however a foam pad and vinyl would most likely be cheaper

22 Eliminator Daytonas had similar hatches to yours and I never did like them. Not a big fan of the humped up type hatch. Just looks out of place. On my buds 21 daytona jet he went with 2 half hatches that go around the motor/headers/blower vs over it. It looks much better than the hump. I believe they are hinged to open toward the sides of the boat and are easily removable. I will try to dig up some pics

As my buddy Artie asked me the other day , is there a boat under that hatch ? Yea , i always hated it , ruins the sexy lines of my cat . Thanks for the help guys . Pics would be great !

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...&f=48440_8.jpg

I like the flush look. Your headers would have to poke thru but is beats the "add on" look of the hump

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/17151

This one is something that has a slight hump tastefully done

This is more in line with what i pictured in my minds eye . Flows nicely with the lines of the boat instead of looking like some kind of nasty growth . Yea , due to my low freeboard part of my headers will also show . Boat kicks up a lot of mist on the stern so i need something that will allow for runoff . I've got to keep it easy for the wifey to get to the swim platforms also . She'll be able to grab a handful of header on the way past....:whistle: Thanks guys and keep the ideas coming . deep

Thats looking more like what You need. Add the shape of you beautiful boat an add a spoiler on the back for back wash. An add for Your rear seats to match Your hull. Wish I was there to help You build one. I was told I was making a trip to just south of Pittsburgh after turky day. Dropping off some trucks. Won't be there long. It would be nice to meet You if that could happen. :ernaehrung004: Artie

Artie , i live a little over 100 miles east of Pittsburgh right outside of Johnstown . If you still have my phone # call me when you get close and i'll see if i can escape . It would be nice to meet you . :ernaehrung004: PM me if you need my number .

Email sent. Artie

I think i smell some of that cajun food cookin Artie . Nice talking to you on the phone . Ticfaw you say , we'll see what happens . Thanks for the help on my hatch . deep

That would be fun. Flying to Dallas 6 Am. Have to drive a truck with a trailer full of tools back to the office. Long day. Have a great nite an keep Us posted on Your new hatch. Artie

This is what i'm dealing with :

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...p/100_0419.jpg

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...p/100_0417.jpg

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...p/100_0416.jpg

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...p/100_0415.jpg

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...p/100_0414.jpg

I'm thinking i want to stay down even with the boat now except where the seat and hatch meet . Headrests there maybe ?

Deep, here's a few shots showing my hatch and headrests that might give ya some ideas. Sorry no close ups, click the pics for the full size view.

My current hatch is on it's way out if ya want it. I've made some engine compartment changes to facilitate an "old school" flat and usable cover. It's about impossible to get in or out of the boat from the rear, even when sober...

http://www.altfuelsgroup.org/picture...al_beached.jpg http://www.altfuelsgroup.org/picture...rlock-Side.JPG http://www.altfuelsgroup.org/picture...rlock-Rear.JPG http://www.altfuelsgroup.org/picture...ock-Engine.JPG http://www.altfuelsgroup.org/picture...al_engine1.jpg

[QUOTE=kidturbo;3816763]Deep, here's a few shots showing my hatch and headrests that might give ya some ideas. Sorry no close ups, click the pics for the full size view.

My current hatch is on it's way out if ya want it. I've made some engine compartment changes to facilitate an "old school" flat and usable cover. It's about impossible to get in or out of the boat from the rear, even when sober...

:lolhit: The wife and i both had unexpected trips in the drink for the same reason . :party-smiley-004: Thanks for the offer on your hatch , i have some thinking to do . I really would like something light weight , light is fast !

Sam , It looks like I need to get busy on some winter projects! :boat:

Is your boat at home? I may be getting neck surgery in the next week or two so I should have some time on my hands to stop over and watch you work...:signs069:

I told you that SSR of yours was gonna make me spend money . :lolhit: I went through neck surgery a few years back , i wish you the best result with a quick recovery . Should i put a beer fridge and a lazyboy in the garage for you ? How about OSO on a 60" screen too . Anything for you my friend . Get well soon . Sam

Sam,who ever sold you those headers should at least kick in for a new hatch:whistle: Glad they worked out for you. Looks like you spent some time polishing too. Looks good

Yes , it is your fault my hatch won't close . :lolhit: :lolhit: I think it's a good problem to have though . Now if i can just get a nice straight cut with this chainsaw . :whistle:

Sam rough day for Me my friend. But I do still try to think of a way to help with Your boat. Hope You had a wonderful day My Friend. Artie

I understand . I hugged my daughter today and did not want to let go . As you know , my little girl is very , very sick . I wish i could trade places with her .....All this is just a distraction for me now . My #1 priority is and always will be my children .

God Bless You My Friend. I'm Praying for You an Your famly My Friend. If You get the chance kiss Her for Me. From My Hart Artie

That i will do . You understand . I fear the worst is coming......