Forwrd Hatch Upgrade?

[H2operator]

I was curious if anyone here has or knows of a forward hatch replacement from old style fiberglass to modern style. I have a used Bomar hatch that I'm planning on installing in place of the old fiberglass hatch. I'll have to modify the opening from curved to flat as in the new boats. The mast step project is essentially done so I can finish and paint the hatch/step section together.
I'm curious if anyone has done this and how it turned out.
Thanks, Lance

[Potcake boy]

H2O

I may not be correctly interpreting your reasons for replacing the hatch, but if it is that you wish to have more light below with the hatch closed then there may be a simpler way to get there. Is it possible to make an opening in the hatch the size you wish, then close it over with a transparent plastic cover. You would have essentially the same thing without the work and expense of modifying your deck to accept a flat mount hatch. My proposal is simplistic for clarity, but the actual process and finished result should be carefully considered.

I have seen cases where a Teak (or other) wood frame was built to conform to the deck and have an appropriate sized flat surface on top for the hatch. The other obvious option would be to built a fiberglass structure to do the same and fasten to your deck, or build it on your deck.

If your principle reason is one of aesthetics, I'd first consider if in fact a flat hatch would improve the appearance or simply make it appear more contemporary.  If the latter is your thinking, I would submit the following. Many of us own these boats because of their perceived old fashioned durability and reliability. That perception is promoted by the appearance being likened to previous era boat building techniques. So if you change some part of that appearance, then you risk diminishing that perception. On the other hand if you wish to enhance that perception you might consider a butterfly hatch, which not only looks good as a revival of classic boat building, but is far more functional than a standard hatch.

I believe there to be two reasons that boat builders are using pre-mounted hatches like your Bomar. It would likely reduce production cost, but more likely would be a yielding to marketing demands. The biggest problem with our decisions as consumers is our own image in the eyes of others. Who doesn't feel the rush of pride when some one compliments our vessel? So it is very easy for our emotions to confuse function and image.

I have heard more than a fair share of comments on the aesthetics of my pilot house 23, both positive and negative. I really am not flattered by a reference of "cute". It is to my eye a little unconventional I admit, but most importantly it is just right for my functional needs.

My conclusion is that changing the hatch form may or may not improve the function of your vessel and may or may not improve your image as the owner. You might flip a coin to decide to invest in this project or apply your time and skills to something else that would yield more gratifying results. Or you could just drink beer and ponder the question till summertime and then put all aside to go sailing.

[H2operator]

Thanks for your tactful opinion. I've already done major surgery to the deck because the mast step was completely rotten, by comparison the hatch conversation is pretty simple. I'm not concerned with the look, my primary objective is to have a simple tight sealing hatch. The added benefit of having skylight is another. I actually like the look of the newer CP23s with the modern hatch. The existing hinges, latch and support rod are a pain! The latch is a literal pain when you bump your head into it.
Just the ease of closing and latching the Bomar  in a hurry makes it worthwhile. I've never sailed this boat but every boat I ever sailed offshore or in windy close hauled conditions gets really wet on the fore deck and I can't see any reasonable way to make the original hatch dry. All of the modifications and repairs I've made so far are with that kind of sailing in mind. I realize it's not a Pacific Seacraft but it could be close. I've replaced the ballast, reinforced the keel trunk, rebuilt the mast step, converted the rudder to a foil and I'm rebuilding the bow cleat deck core now, so the hatch conversation is no big deal. When I bought the boat I was sure that it had good bones but was still surprised at the issues that I found. Thanks again for your input, Lance

[Potcake boy]

Lance,

Sounds like you are doing a great job, lotta work there. Hopefully you'll get to test out the projects soon and it will have been worth all the work. It's really nice when you can do your own work on the boat. It saves you a bundle of money and hassle and you know it's done correctly.  Another plus of doing your own work is understanding your boat better and being capable of repairs underway.

Good luck finishing up, and don't forget to go sailing.

[H2operator]

Thanks for the encouragement! It's definitely more work than expected but I'll be satisfied with the result. I would post photos but it seems extremely complicated(We need to get a nerd on that)!
Since I live in western NC I'm not close to the coast and it's easier to work on the boat than to actually sail it. The reason I boat a trailer boat is because I don't live where I want to use it. Hopefully I'll make it down to your neighborhood at some point, my other potential destinations are the Georgia barrier islands and Maine. I'm thinking about crossing over to either Cuba or The Bahamas, I should do a search on the site and see if other CP-23 owners have done any short crossings.
Thanks again, Lance

[philb Junkie19]

Some years back I read about a young woman who sailed her cp16 from Fl to the Bahamas. That voyage would not be for everyone and required very patient and cafeful weather planning and likely some acceptance of risk.

[H2operator]

The CP-16 wouldn't be my choice for sure. The right weather window is a must. The most scared I've ever been was a night crossing from Cat Cay to Ft. Lauderdale. We were on a 58'powerboat that was not made for the conditions. It was pitch black so you couldn't see the waves coming and we were taking them on the beam. The captain decided to make the crossing because we were overdue on our delivery. We experienced major healing in a confused sea-state that's typical in the Gulf Stream when the wind opposes the current. We were following a 97 ft powerboat that was really getting tossed around but nothing like us, luckily we didn't have to worry about course since we were following them.  I literally kissed the ground when we got off at Port of Everglades!

[H2operator]

The CP-16 wouldn't be my choice for sure. The right weather window is a must. The most scared I've ever been was a night crossing from Cat Cay to Ft. Lauderdale. We were on a 58'powerboat that was not made for the conditions. It was pitch black so you couldn't see the waves coming and we were taking them on the beam. The captain decided to make the crossing because we were overdue on our delivery. We experienced major healing in a confused sea-state that's typical in the Gulf Stream when the wind opposes the current. We were following a 97 ft powerboat that was really getting tossed around but nothing like us, luckily we didn't have to worry about course since we were following them.  I literally kissed the ground when we got off at Port of Everglades!

Hey Philb, Do you know an English guy named Jono ? He has a little Pearson with a Junk rig and is becoming active in the Junk community. He and I work at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Lance

[philb Junkie19]

Lance, Yes Jono and Jane were at the New England junk rig junket in Down East Maine this last Labor Day weekend. He did a wonderful job making his beautiful 19 ft boat into a one junk rigged with its attractive blue sail. I didn't know the the boat's make. It was great to have them up all the way from North Carolina.

[Potcake boy]

Well Lance, that will teach you not to ride on a power boat.

[H2operator]

Yeah! I've always thought I would have been less scared on a sailboat of a decent size. I've made the same crossing in better conditions on a Swan 38 and it was awesome!

[H2operator]

Lance, Yes Jono and Jane were at the New England junk rig junket in Down East Maine this last Labor Day weekend. He did a wonderful job making his beautiful 19 ft boat into a one junk rigged with its attractive blue sail. I didn't know the the boat's make. It was great to have them up all the way from North Carolina.

Phil, Are you in Maine?

[philb Junkie19]

Yes, I live by and sail in and around Penobscot Bay.  The nearest town that your are likely to know is Belfast. Our junket was in Gouldsboro about 60 miles east by water.

[H2operator]

Phil, Nice neighborhood you live in, my significant other(Lisa) is from southern Maine and is there now visiting family and the lovely weather. Hopefully we will bring the boat up there soon when the repairs and mods are completed.
I haven't run into Jono lately but will let him know that we connected here.
Lance

[H2operator]

Hatch project update,