http://bertram31.com
First, let me do my usual caveat preamble... There are many reasons that you might want to add one or more hatches to your deck, but carefully think out your needs and other options, not forgetting to survey the deck that you will be installing the hatch(es) into. Your deck must be in sound condition prior to installation.
If you are adding only one or two hatches, for example two long hatches to access the area between the stringer on either side, adding them into your existing deck will probably be cost effective. If, however, you are adding more than 3, 4, or more hatches, you might save money by replacing the entire deck with one that is available and already has a comparable hatch system that is already molded in.
A case in point: Say that you have a reasonably sound plywood deck, but you don't like the hatch configuration and want to re-do all of them plus add a couple, (maybe 6 in all?). In this case you will spend far less money and time by buying a replacement deck, say for example, Ray Cabrerra's magnificent deck system for the B31, (excluding the Bahia Mar model).
If such a custom deck system doesn't exist for your boat model, or you want a different configuration from what is available, then installing individual custom hatches is your only alternative. Also, before moving along, a note on dunnage/fishbox installations:
If your intent is to add a pair of dunnage/fishboxes, but are thinking that you'll only add the hatches and lids now, installing the boxes later. In a word: DON'T... To get the maximum size box within the desired opening size, the box will need to rest on the drain rail lip and the lid on box lip. A hatch without a box has the lid resting on the drain rail lip. Adding a box to this configuration means that the box must be supported within the free opening which will reduce all of the box dimensions and require that a secondary lip be installed around the drain rail.
With all of that said, here's what I can build in the way of custom, ready to install hatches:
These hatch systems are gelcoated white and ready to install. The covers are a composite structure of polyester fiberglass over a PVC core. Hatches larger than 24" x 24", (576 sq in), have additional "top hat" reinforcement bars or grids to further increase the rigidity.
All hatch opening widths will be in 2" increments which is compatible with standard teak decking. The smallest width offered is 6" and the largest width offered is 36". Length can be any number between 6" and 72". Length is not dependent on the 2" increments, so fractions of an inch, or odd numbers, are OK.
Each hatch system includes one drain rail with two 3/4" drain holes. One hatch cover, fitted to the drain rail and installation instructions. Hatches are supplied as "paint ready", meaning that they have been faired and, where necessary, sanded through 220 grit paper. The drain bibs are 3/4" schedule 40 PVC connectors that are securely glassed in place on the aft two corners. They will coneniently accept standard 3/4" PVC pipe, (either schedule 20 or 40). Not just the nearly useless little 1/4" holes drilled into most comercially availble drain races. (I mean: Why even bother??)
Optional finishes:
Finish Gelcoat in cream color with non-skid surface. Add $150.00
Finished Gelcoat in matching color with non-skid surface. Add $200.00
Supply and pre-fit piano hinge. Add $75.00 + cost of hinge.
Awlgrip primed with 545 white epoxy primer. Add $150
To calculate the cost of custom hatch systems: ( hatch(1) + hatch(2) = price )
Figure the square inch size you need and find the price factor from the following list
hatch(1) in sq in
if less than 300 sq in this figure is $200.00If your calculated hatch size only exceeds the previous size limit by less than 15%, revert back to the previous size group. (ie: A 30" x 34" hatch is 1088 sq in. Revert back to the "between 300 - 1,000 sq in" price)
if between 300 - 1,000 sq in this figure is $345.00
if between 1,000 - 2,500 sq in this figure is $440.00
if between 2,500 - 5,000 sq in this figure is $520.00
Hatch(2): multiply the total sq in of hatch opening by $0.3326 (*)
(* Note: If this calculation is less than $50.00, then hatch cost will be $250.00 complete.)
Adding hatch(1) to hatch(2) gives the price of the complete desired hatch unit, round of to the nearest $5.00.
ie: The desired hatch is 18" x 36" (648 sq in)Other quick examples:hatch(1) = $345.00 hatch(2) = 648 sq in x $0.3326 = $215.52This hatch unit would be: $560.00
add hatch(1) to hatch(2) = $345.00 + $215.52 = $560.52
6" x 6" (36 sq in) (minimum size available)
$200.00 + $11.97 = $210.00 which is below minimum, so $250.00
12" x 18" (216 sq in)
$345.00 + $71.84 = $415.00
20" x 60" (1200 sq in)
$440.00 + $399.12 = $840.00
36" x 72" (2592 sq in) (max size available)
$520.00 + $862.10 = $1,380.00
All orders must be accompanied by a 50% deposit before work begins. The balance will be due prior to shipment. Shipping will be done, unless otherwise specified, by UPS Ground.
Handling and shipping charges will be calculated when the order is ready to ship and added to the balance due.
Building your own Custom Hatch System:
If you would like to try your hand at building your own hatch system,
My Building Custom Hatches CD will guide you through the process!
Building Custom Hatches CD
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To discuss your individual needs, please give me a phone call at 561.848.3366
As always, good luck on your projects! Take lots of notes and photos. They'll be invaluable to when you start other similar projects. If you'd like to send me photos and descriptions of your project, I'll review them for possible posting on our website...
Best regards,
Capt Patrick McCrary
3640 Investment Ln. #15, West Palm Beach, FL. 33404
Telephone (561) 848-3366
Web site questions or comments to: webmaster@usamarine.net