Workshop: Install hatches yourself for more light and air in the foredeck

Many boats are only fitted with the bare essentials at the boatyard. Hatches in the cabin roof are often not included. The following description shows you how to retrofit these useful openings in a plastic boat. Before you start, however, it is important to choose the installation location carefully. It must be level (+/-1 mm) and should offer enough space for the open hatch cover. It must be possible to open the hatch cover by more than 90 degrees, otherwise installation will not be possible.

Photo instructions: You can do the installation of a hatch yourself

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Which hatch for which sea area?

Depending on the type of boat and area of use, you can choose between different hatch types and sizes. The range extends from particularly low-profile hatches to ocean-going hatches. Here we show the three most important models based on Lewmar products.

Low-profile hatch

This hatch is particularly flat (25 mm) and is therefore suitable for boats with a modern design. Area of application: Inland and coastal waters. The sizes range from 28 x 28 cm to 56 x 67.5 cm.

Normal profile hatch

Reinforced acrylic glass and the solid aluminium frame ensure high durability and impact resistance for coastal and offshore waters. Dimensions: 40 x 53 cm to 77 x 77 cm, 32 mm high.

Ocean hatch

Hatch for ocean-going yachts and ships. It is between 40 and 43 mm high, has a particularly stable design and is therefore standard on many large motorboats in CE category A.