installing a round hatch cover on side of CP16

[Cevin c Taylor]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever done this.  I haven't sailed my '83 CP16 much, but I've noticed that there is not a lot of storage area in the cockpit.  I had an idea of installing a round hatch cover in the side (gunwale?), and then putting some kind of box behind it.  This would allow you to remove the hatch cover and store phones, wallets, keys, books, sunscreen, etc. inside.  The area behind the gunwale seems to be wasted a bit.  Since the hatch would be aligned vertically, if sealed well enough, water shouldn't get in.  Here are a couple of pics.  One of the type of hatch I'm thinking of, and the other of the area in the gunwale where it would seem best to put it - because this is the area with greatest space behind it (marked with circle). 

[NAY]

  If you haven't already considered it I think a rectangle shape and hinged down would give better access and the cover would stay attached. I have one like that on my shamrock to get to the rudder post, works very well.
  buddy       

[skip1930]

West Marine offers these hatches with a ditty bag attached.

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[jkat]

What about one of these?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=91934&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50667&subdeptNum=50688&classNum=50691

Couldn't get the picture for it pasted, but I've wanted to add a sealed glove box like this one.  I haven't had the time or the guts to do it yet, but it's on my future "to-do" list.  It might work in the same spot you were describing and I'd definitely want to see it done.

Jeff

[skip1930]

Don't forget that the latch for the 'box cover' will be sticking out of the cockpit combing. You want to lean on that?
Smooth and flush is better me thinks.

"...there is (marginal) buoyancy foam in that area..." The foam is not for buoyancy. Never was the intent. Swamp her and down she goes. The foam is to quiet and stiffen.

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[jpfx]

Offering my personal thoughts only:
On a mkI at least, there is (marginal) buoyancy foam in that area and looking at it from the inside there's not what I would consider to be a whole lot of useful space. In short I would not entertain the idea of having a hole there unless it was compartmentalized on the inside (no way to flood the boat).
The mkI had the lazarette, so for a later model I would consider putting a removable box/compartment of some type in the same area and adding some straps to keep it in place.
By way of explanation; my boat has had holes cut into it in various places by various owners to the point that the it's a real 'cluster fxxk'. You have a huge cockpit on a 16 for the size of boat. Maybe re-purpose some of that real estate.

[Cevin c Taylor]

jpfx:  I should have made clear that my thought was to put a compartment behind the hatch cover, so that I would end up with something like a glove compartment in a car.  My boat is all wrapped up for the winter, and so I can't get inside it to take a look at this area.  Just doing some winter dreaming of summer projects.

[Rob]

I have a 79 Com PAC that a previous owner had cut some small holes on each side of the lazerate hatch in the bench  .What I did is cut out the area to except a 6 inch screw out deck plate I ordered from Duckworks. I made a backup plate for the inside that I attached a nylon bag my wife made for me . I use this area to store tools spare hardware things I don't need offten it works great unscrew and reach in .I also have a storage shelf inside the cabin door for things I use when sailing and for my wallet and keys .I have to give Duckworks a plug here great people and lots of stuff at a good price for the DIYer ,Hope this helps . Rob

[bobhutson]

Hey Wolverine, Just curious about the CP16 photo in your message...Sure looks like ole' #1907 sitting in my garage here in Galveston...Did you have a connection with the boat or are you just using the pic that was in the ad that I bought it from a couple of years ago? Couldn't believe there would be another bimini like that then saw the carpet wrapped around the trailer guide posts that cinched the ID...She's in great shape and looks only a little different now...Good luck w/your storage niche...Bob H

[Cevin c Taylor]

Replying to bobhutson:  I just found the pic on an ad on Sailtexas.  I didn't have a pic of the cockpit of my boat handy, and it's all covered for the winter, so I couldn't shoot one for the post.  I wish mine were that nice!

[federalist]

 I hate to digress, but that bimini is sweet.  What is its story?  It is really hot and sunny in the North Texas summers.

[bobhutson]

I hate to digress, but that bimini is sweet.  What is its story?  It is really hot and sunny in the North Texas summers.

Hi Federalist, I don't want to intrude too deeply into Wolverine's topic here but will be glad to share what I know...The bimini came w/the boat...It's homemade w/1/2" metal thinwall conduit, light synthetic canvas and plastic fittings...Haven't used it much...May change to Sunbrella fabric...Hot here too (Galveston)...Regards, Bob H

[KPL]

on my 1982 that area is filled with foam and fiberglassed from underneath.  It'd be a lot of work to get a compartment in there, and it'd be a pretty small space to boot.  You might have better luck putting it on the seat deck with a ditty bag.    I wouldn't worry about it sinking the boat.  If you got that much water in the boat, you'd be in a world of hurt anyway....
Maybe a rectangle hatch towards the rear with an organizer tray may be another option - this site may give you some ideas - http://greatlakesskipper.com/category-1/22_319-boat-hatches-port-windows-storage-boxes.html

Kevin

[Cevin c Taylor]

Kevin:  Thanks.  It actually might be warm enough today to pull the cover back and get inside the boat to take some measurements.  I haven't been able to do that, which has hampered my planning.  I found this option as well, which seems like it would be a good storage idea.  In the few sails that I did last year, I found that if I had something in the cockpit, it just got in the way, and I ended up tossing it in the cabin.  Then when I wanted it again, I had to go fishing around in the cabin.   This seems like it would allow me to stow things like a hat, windbreaker, sunscreen, etc. out of the way, yet have them handy.

[skip1930]

You and the crew still have to lean against that thing while sailing if it's mounted inside the cockpit combing.

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