Sunday Cat "Hatch"

[Floridagent]

The Sunday Cat comes with just a canvas cover for the cutty hatch opening.  The canvas is permanently attached at the front, is mounted to a few slides on the sides, has small battens to give it some shape to shed rain and spray, and snaps on to the topmost hatch board.  Presumably this was done because there is inadequate space for a traditional fiberglass sliding hatch. 

Unfortunately, one cannot lock the cutty in the traditional way either. For a trailer sailor, that means all one's gear has to be removed from the boat whenever parking it -- say overnight in a motel parking lot.  (The two lockable glove compartments installed by the factory don't get the job done.) 

I know there aren't many Sunday Cats on the water, but has anyone found a solution to this situation?  Or, can any of you DIY'ers with sister boats suggest a solution? 

[capt_nemo]

Floridagent,

Post a few photos of the hatch from every angle, close enough to show good detail of ALL the edges around the opening, and I'll try to provide some ideas.

I've designed, fabricated, and installed several mods for my Sun Cat (with cabin) and am pretty sure something simple, yet effective, can be done to secure items below.

capt_nemo

[capt_nemo]

Floridagent,

Went to the Factory web site and watched a video of Sunday Cat Hatch Cover in action. Just as I thought, the edges are similar to my Cabin Sun Cat WITHOUT the sliding hatch.

The first idea that comes to mind is a one-piece plywood hatch which overlaps the three edges a bit (for rain) and has TWO (2) FIXED strong wooden protrusions (or locking barrel bolts) attached under the forward edge to slide under the cabin top edge. These strong wooden forward pieces prevent the forward edge of the hatch from lifting. And, they could serve to help center the hatch in proper position if they were located very close to the forward port and starboard corners of the hatch opening in the cabin top. Add a pivoting wooden cleat (or inexpensive barrel bolt) to the underside of the port and starboard  hatch sides, just forward of the hatch boards, to ensure the hatch can't rise up. The aft edge of the hatch could come down overlapping the drop boards, just like the canvas does now. Attach a hasp and eye on the top companionway drop board and aft overlapping edge of hatch and LOCK TO SECURE!

This general idea can be refined to suit. You can quickly make up something simple and inexpensive that will do the job and refine it later as time permits.

Good luck. Let us know what you finally decide.

capt_nemo
Port Charlotte, Florida

[Floridagent]

Brilliant!  I can see it now!  Will send pictures of my prototype.
Thanks Capt...

[capt_nemo]

Floridagent,

You're very welcome.

Glad to help.

capt_nemo