94 32' caliber,
Engine hatch that doubles as a back rest when closed for bench seat, has to big cushions in middle. Hatch seemed very heavy so I removed these two cushions and found out they were a lot of the weight. When I took the covering off them I found they had a box looking assembly under the material and is looks to be made out of 7/16/to1/2 inch plywood and was water logged (soaked). Can any one tell me if this is original and what I might do correct this.

Thanks

Try rebuilding boxes or support structures out of high density poly plastic. Available in 4x8 sheets 1/2inch or so thick.After construction drill 3or4 inch holes with a hole saw to cut down on more weight . HDPE is similiar to starboard but cheaper.

Hey baja 32, I also have a 32 caliber, 95', and plan to remove the hatch to recover the sun deck pad. Mine seems quite heavy also. I wouldn't be surprised if mine is also water logged. Guess best thing to do would be to replace the pieces even if it means redesigning them. Good luck with yours .

I had my hatch re-covered. I though it had difficulty opening because the wood was water logged. Turns out the new wood is just as heavy. The problem is in the screw jack. What I am doing, rather than replace the screw jack, I am adding a gas shock (as found on the hatch of a Camaro) to the existing screw jack. Just clamp in on to the back side, and no one will be the wiser.

Thanks everybody for all your input.

Mike