Hatch cover kits

Where should I install hatch cover kits on a 1974 Hobie 16. It apears I have a soft spot on the deck of my port hull. I want to install a 5" and a 4" on both Hulls. I have seen hatch cover kits forward of the trampaline I have read on this Fourm that this is not a good idea. So I'm wondering where and Why?

I would post a pic but I can't figure out how

Many Thanks espically for this fourm
Todd C

As long as the hatch is at least 10" away from the pylon (fore or aft) it shouldn't cause any problems. I put mine right in the center of the deck, becasue it gave me the best view of the interior of the hull.

You can check out my repair work here:

http://homepage.mac.com/marcusc130/Hobie/Menu8.html

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

Todd, first, it never occurred to me until now that you were a born sailor- being named "Mr Christian" and all

Marcus repair pictures are really helpful- I have a little different approach to hatch installation that I posted originally under "where do y'all keep your beverages": Here it is:

Got beer? Install Hatch Cover Kits and outfit one with a Fat Cat Bag. The kits come with everything, including clear silicone to do the job. All you need is a drill and a saber saw with a fine metal cutting blade and a dust mask. Cut the hole a little smaller than the outline and then file it as Marcus did. Heck, if I can do it, anybody can do it. The Fat Cat Bag will hold a six pack on ice easily. The standard Cat Bag is nice too for your keys, cat tool, your cat, whatever....OK NOT your cat

I recommend four hatches. One pair ahead of the front crossbar, (as marcus said "at least 10 inches") usually this is a spot that delaminates up there (killing two birds with one stone- new hatch, no soft spot). The second pair of course behind the rear crossbar.

There are a couple added benefits of putting ports fore and aft in each hull.
1) You can now inspect the hulls from the inside out. This is the only way to truly tell how thin your keels are getting by how much light is coming through
2) You can access and inspect the stanchions and repair little stress cracks that may develop.
3) Dry Hulls!! With the hatch covers removed fore and aft, air can flow and dry the hulls. If you are towing the boat on a dry day, this works really well. Remember- a dry boat is a fast boat.

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.

Stephen
I'm with you got beer! I'm going to fix my delaminaion proplem on my port hull after every thing is cured, and then install a 5" inspection hatch forward of the trampiline and the 4" aft of the tramp on each hull. I also get to build up the glass on the botom of my hulls this winter. Looking at all the types of gelcoat kits. The glass appears to be good I have a a fair amount of light showing looking though my drain plugs. caused by beaching the last 30 years. after this is completed I will poly glass both hulls. Then get wet and stay wet @ end of Febuary a week outing at a local lake after the fog lifts. I hope I don't have any muitnies Christmas Island sounds cool.

Todd