center hatch for a prowler....

I plan to install a center hatch on my prowler. There were instructions on how to elevate the hatch to keep it dry / water proof. Unfortunately, the instructions were posted on Jim's site...and his site is down again  

Any tips?

I remember it being something like getting the cheap plastic cutting boards and cutting them into rings to elevate the hatch. Lots of marine goop was involved.  

yeah - I remember that. I really think it would be great to have a hatch within easy reach. The original fish and Dive by Cobra had the perfect idea! Wish they made the boat in a narrow (and a longer) version.

I did one on my Necky-- didn't bother with the raising it and all that jazz, thing has never leaked.  Its actually a heck of a lot easier than it seems.
Just make sure you get the cut out perfect. i cut small, then slowly, slowly painstakingly enlarged the hole.  Sealant galore, and not a problem

One thing-- I replaced the white hatch with a clear one about a year ago-- makes it really nice as I can stash gear in there, and then not have to worry about short term memory.

Steve - any pics?

Did you install  a toggle hatch or a screw in ? I hear the toggle hatch leaks and the screw in tends to jam when sand gets in.

was a screw in...I don't think I have any pics of installing it, but I can take a pic of it in...don't know if that helps or not?

Hey Joel if you want to do ours together we can. I have a hatch I need to install as well.

Pictures are not really going to help, you cut a hole, goop it up, rivet it and you are done.  

goovey Bill....are you going for the screw in or toggle hatch?

Sean / SCWAFISH = do you sell hatches?

I actually used stainless screws/bolts-- that way if you have to replace it you won't be drilling out the dang thing.

One thing to be careful of with the screw in hatch is sand and junk in the threads.  I did that once- ONCE-- and had to cut out the screw in part and replace.

Hana-we do have them.  I use rivets to install them, but either method is fine.

I installed a screw cover hatch in my prowler.  I noticed it sits kinda low and is awash around the rim most of the time but it has yet to leak.  I used ss flat head machine screws through tapped holes in the hull with flat washers and nylock nuts inside.  I applied a sufficient amount of 3M 5200 between the rim and the hull, beware this is the messiest stuff on the planet and takes forever to cure and does not actually bond to the polyethylene hull.

The hatch was a great aid in installing my transucer where I wanted it but have yet to find another use for it.  Yet...


Pete

We installed a screw top hatch on my venus and the prowler 13 came with one.  So long as I keep them sprayed with the UV protectant stuff, sand does not bind them.
Pat