Building hatch- any ideas?

[Tim/GA]

Eventually I will get to the point where I am working above the deck on my project- hopefully!  When I do I plan on putting in 2 boxes along the transom, one to port for the livewell and one to starboard for the batteries as well as for the rigging tubes to exit the deck.  I really like the way the boxes in these pics of the Calusa Wind (in the photo gallery) are set up and while my dimensions will be different I am thinking the hatches are just what I want.




Question is, how do I go about fabricating them?  I want them to be flush with the flush mount hinges and strong enough to be used for casting a net, etc.  Also want the boxes to be waterproof so the hatches will need to be guttered.  Suggestions?

[ddd222]

something to consider if you're repowering along w/ modifications, the weight of new 4 strokes and DI 2 strokes could make a big difference in weight and if so u may have to move batteries to console, although i think you would be served well by the 2 boxes for lighter things. For got whether a repower was in the plan?

[Tim/GA]

I had thought about moving them but between locating the 36 gallon fuel tank under the deck but slightly forward (front end will actually be under the casting deck), placing the console partially on the front casting deck (this was done by a previous owner and I like the extra room it allows in the stern) and removing 2 lead bars that were in the original stringers right at the transom I am pretty sure I will be alright.  Since the console will be forward of the normal position, it might lead to more pounding if the batteries were there anyway.  Thanks for pointing it out though.
Oh, here is pic before the rebuild with the console forward.

[JimCt]

With the forward positions of the tank and the console I doubt mounting the batteries back there at the stern will cause any weight distribution problem.  Stern area provides the easiest motion for the batteries.  Up there where the console is though, you'll have a pretty bouncy ride.  Hope your knees are in good shape...

I like that speckled finish in the interior.  Wonder how it was done.

[Tim/GA]

That is what I figured, I know that the batteries that I have mounted in the stern almost always outlast those mounted forward.

The one thing I am worried about is how much more rough it will be forward like that but the huge open back deck for working and casting nets will be very nice.  I also might add a swing back cooler/seat behind the leaning post for passengers and those lazy days bottom fishing for whiting or sharks (sometimes with no bait when REALLY lazy!).  The console is already cut down so really there is no reason to give it a try, I can make changes later if I don't like the layout.

That boat Calusa Wind is a nice one.  Seadog posted the pics but it was a boat he had seen around, which we could get the owner on board here, I have a bunch of questions for them.  Like the interior finish as well.