Alternative Hatch for Aft Well on OUTRAGE and REVENGE

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
Vance's Revenge
Posts: 116
Joined: Wed Nov 25, 2015 2:37 am
Location: Northern California

Alternative Hatch for Aft Well on OUTRAGE and REVENGE

Postby Vance's Revenge » Wed Sep 23, 2020 7:57 pm

The original mahogany [hatch cover on the aft cockpit live well on OUTRAGE and REVENGE boats] had no seal. On my 1980 Revenge 22 I quickly realized I did not like [the unsealed hatch on the aft cockpit live well].

whaler pic fish box cover painted-final open.jpg
Fig. 1. Hatch open
whaler pic fish box cover painted-final open.jpg (79.06 KiB) Viewed 1841 times


I used 3/16-inch thick aluminum sheet in order to be be strong enough and low enought to prevent a trip hazard. Tools were skill saw, a jig saw, and file to make the hatch, and card stock paper to make a pattern.

There two flush mount waterproof latches and weather stripping for the seal.

The result is a modern looking hatch that doesn't seem to leak at all.

Whaler pic fish box cover painted-Final closed.jpg
Fig. 2. Hatch open.
Whaler pic fish box cover painted-Final closed.jpg (52.78 KiB) Viewed 1841 times

credditt
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:13 am

Re: Alternative Hatch for Aft Well on OUTRAGE and REVENGE

Postby credditt » Tue Nov 24, 2020 1:03 pm

Nice work. That looks great. Much better than the starboard hatches I've been considering.

Vance's Revenge
Posts: 116
Joined: Wed Nov 25, 2015 2:37 am
Location: Northern California

Re: Alternative Hatch for Aft Well on OUTRAGE and REVENGE

Postby Vance's Revenge » Tue Nov 24, 2020 6:48 pm

Thank you!
I originally looked at the aftermarket hatches as well. Finally gave up because I couldn't find anything that would fit without cutting and modifying the deck.

This was way easier, but I did find that the first time I put the weather stripping too close to the hinges and the door pushed it to the point that it rolled. I removed it and installed a new one closer to the edge of the opening and it worked all season without fail. Just simple $10.00 weather stripping from Home Depot.

Doesn't seem to leak water off the deck into it at all. I use it as a fish box with ice but it actually could work as an underfloor ice chest.
A much better system than the original wood drop in door!