sliding hatch for a 73 V20

franco477 · #1 07-14-2007, 01:04 AM

Hi Everybody,

I took my V20 to a local plastics company today to get a quote on fabrication of a new hatch. The guy has had experience making plastic parts for boats. He took the measurements and said he would use 1/4" plexiglass to make the hatch. This didn't really thrill me but beggars can't be choosy. He said it would take about a day to make and he would have to have the boat to make sure that he did the bends and slope correctly. Said it would cost me about $250. Would rahter have it made from thicker material but is worth considering. I will let you know how it turns out and post pictures.

Skools Out · #2 07-14-2007, 01:57 AM

plexiglass won't hold up in sun light you had better use Lexan

tsubaki · #3 07-14-2007, 08:12 AM

Agree, Lexan.

franco477 · #4 07-14-2007, 08:31 AM

I have some questions before he starts, He asked if I wanted it to be smoked plexigplas I told him that I prefered white to match the boat. I might just take a sheet of 3/8 starboard to him and ask if he can use it instead.

tsubaki · #5 07-14-2007, 08:46 AM

Agreeing with Skools, plexiglass is going to be a problem even dangerious. In cooler temperatures it will be like glass,break and cut like glass.
Lexan will cost probably the same as Starboard.

macojoe · #6 07-14-2007, 08:47 AM

Yes Starboard would be much better!! and if he can bend Plexi he can bend starboard!

$250??

I never can remeber all the threads here or who made them, but long before I would spend that coin I would go with the Canvas cover some one here just showed us!!

franco477 · #7 07-14-2007, 09:49 AM

I guess I have to get brave enough to try to make my own out of starboard. Just afraid of really screwing it up and being out the money. NOt like I haven't thrown money away on other silly things. :)

franco477 · #8 07-14-2007, 09:51 AM

Just out of curiousity how thick are the hatch covers? I want something heavyduty enough where if my chunky butt sits on it or steps on it it won't break.

reelapeelin · #9 07-14-2007, 10:58 AM

I'm REEL accustomed to NOT puttin' my chunky butt on it, but If I's gonna make one SURE to stand up to walkin'/sittin' for one large as me, it'd be of 3/4 S'board...which wouldn't be a bad idea ... it'll be a trick makin' it slide under the windshield like the original, but I think it can be done ... never tried it...might work perfect ??? ...

franco477 · #10 07-14-2007, 12:09 PM

IT's not really me that I'm worried about. I have a teenager who isn't always so condierate of other peoples property and a clutsy wife. So I figure if I make to with stand my weight than nothing else will hurt it. I think that 3/8 is about as thick as you can go w=under the windshield.