back hatches 1988 v20

[Flukehunter]

Im a newbie on this site and need some advice. I bought a 1988 V20 outboard and the rear covers over the battery and the 2 stroke oil tank are cracked and beyone repair. Is there anywhere I can buy new ones or how do I go about getting a pair of them made if that's possible. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[bradford]

Welcome! Do like me, search craigslist for "Free V20" and get the whole rig, take the parts you need then give the hull away again. I have one, but it's in not that great of shape...Where are you located?

[pansof5]

I have a1984 v 20 that went under a pier last fall.i have 2 hatches ,im not sure if they are the same , if you can find out

[13Echo70271]

one way to make Stern hatch covers for 88 v20 ..........
17.5 inch x 13.5 inch x 1inch starboard (ebay), make template(s) of plywood and use a router to round the top edges and corner edges over, then router out the underside to 3/8 inch or so, leaving enough edge for attachment of hinges and a spring hatch support to be fastened. (L bracket or angle to underside of cap opening for support bracket if necessary). Unless you can find some replacements here.........

[Tunnaman88]

13eco.. do you nave pictures? sounds good

[13Echo70271]

Hi TM, I should have taken pics while I did this. I don't use a router too often. pictures show plywood surround even with surface of starboard. the fence keeps a straight line around the inside edge of the starboard for the router base to follow. I don't think it can be done free hand. work from inside/center to outside so you have a flat surface for the router to travel on.

other 2 pictures show top and bottom after. I haven't added the hinges or spring stay yet. I'm going to add a latch to keep it closed, seems like lots of these hatches are lost while on the trailer, hoping latches help keep them on board going down the road.

$20 router in 1990 has come in handy over the years.

[Flukehunter]

Bradford, thanks for that idea. I actually had been looking around for a junk v20 but all the ones I found if the hatches were right had been already taken. I also have a space problem as my driveway barely accommodates the one I have parked there but thanks for the reply!

[Flukehunter]

Echo that is some great info. Im not the handiest with a router but I'm gonna give it a try. Thanks for the info and the pics. Yours look like they came out terrific!

[13Echo70271]

Hi I forgot to mention that there is a slight height difference (about 1/8 inch) on the hatches from the factory and the surrounding cap. that means you need a spacer under half the flat hinge. I used a coping saw to cut spacers from a piece of 1/8 inch black starboard I had, drilled them the same as the hinge to take care of that.
it shows in these two pics.
Of course you could order 7/8 inch board if it is available, or take down the bottom edge of your new hatch with the router as a final step to make them fit flush (7/8 inch height instead of 1 inch). Take your time and it should work out ok either way. Good luck, TJ