Replacement hatches and rod boxes

[Franco]

Had a guy today at my shop that was looking for large cardboard boxes.I work at a car dealer in the service department and we have several large boxes that body parts are shipped in. He builds surfboards and uses the boxes to ship them. I asked if he could make some rod boxes to replace mine. He said it wouldn't be too difficult to build a couple of plain boxes to whatever size I needed. I mentioned this site, in respect to having hatches ( the front ones on the cuddy cabin model) and hatch lids. He was pretty excited when I told him I'd post that info here, so if you want some hatches or lids, he'll make the molds from mine and could make them available to you guys. Any intrest???

[JeffXJ]

Incase I don't give up on my boat :-[, I'd be interested

[Franco]

Thanks Jeff, I'm gonna hook up this weekend and find out about the rodboxes

[franco477]

Franco, what year is your boat?

I would be very interested.

[Franco]

1983 cuddy cabin

[franco477]

Would a hatch from your boat fit a 1973 model?

[Franco]

Not sure, if you want to measure your hatches I'll compare it to mine.

[franco477]

My hatch is missing, I got measurements off a 74 hatch, I hope they are close. They are:

Overall length front to back - 22 1/4"
Overall width - 25 7/8 "

back height- 2"
front Height- 1 1/2"

flange under teak - 1/2" x 18" long

Hope this helps.

Thanks

[Franco]

I'll measure them by this weekend and let you know

[reelapeelin]

Don't THINK they'll interchange...Franco, isn't yours a 2-piece?...47, yours is gonna be like my '74... ;) :)...

[Franco]

YEAH, MINE ARE 2 PIECES

[reelapeelin]

Swot I thought...under the heading: "anything can be done if you put your mind to it"...a lid COULD be made of Starboard... or somebody real handy w/fiberglass oughtta make up about a dozen or so...hmmmm...who could do that????... ::)...

[Franco]

Hey Oz, I got the guy here in Vero Beach that can do it

[franco477]

That's what I thought, I guess I'll try starboard. I found out that you can cut a grove in the starboard and then heat it with a heat gun to make various things, like a cup holder. Hopefully I can make the hatch without screwing up too much material.

[franco477]

Oz the measurements wer what you gave me before. I mad a half way decent wooden temp hatch cover. So I think I can do it with Starboard now. Wanted to try with wood first because its cheaper.

[reelapeelin]

Good idea, 47...I keep thinkin' 3/4" for the top of that hatch w/1/2" sides and front...1/2 goes under the 3/4, deep counter-sink the screw-heads and run a 1/2" round-over router bit(take the screws out for this) around the 3/4 edge...TRICKY part will be gettin' a "lip" of sorts to extend under the center window...ain't quite figgered that one out yet... ::)...just remember:"form follows function"...it'll happen... ;D...

[macojoe]

I love Starboard!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/992a1c48.jpg

[Franco]

IF WE COULD BUILD A BOAT COMPLETLEY OUT OF STARBOARD, MJ WOULD HAVE ONE!!!!

[Skools Out]

Hey MJ there is a boat out there that is 100% plastic http://www.triumphboats.com/

[reelapeelin]

Glad MJ stopped when he did...that stuff's HEAVY as H__L...I's afeerd he's gonna SINK IT... :o...

[axespino]

I have two 73 cuddy's that need hatches. If you make one out of starboard make a blueprint and maybe we could all make some replacement hatches. I have a friend of mine that may be able to borrow a hatch so my neighbor who builds boats can make a mold for me.