Thread:

Engine Hatch

I needed to build an engine hatch for my 84 Eliminator Sport, I was looking for a way to build one lightweight and with an air scoop. This hatch isn't rigid enough for someone to stand on. Not really what I was going for. Here is what I came up with.

I took a 4'x8'x2" sheet of ISO Rigid Insulation and first shaped the hatch base and added another piecs for a riser. I then centered the aero scoop and recessed it into the ISO sheet.


I had some 17oz cloth left over from the floor and stringer repair so I started with that as my base layer, then overlayed with a layer of 8oz cloth




I let the top side set up overnight then I started removing foam. I left a suport rail all along the outside edge and ribs down the center. Along the back edge I bonded in 2 - 4" strips if 3/4" ply that I laminated together for hinge suppport. I used CSM to build up the inside and glassed the inside of the scoop to the base.



After a little trimming here it is.




Now for some smoothing and hit it with some sealer primer.

ry-guy

Great work and cool idea using the foam

Im wanting to do the same thing except for smaller scoop and built in under the vinyl. Looks good i wish i had these kind ok skills.

Here is the hatch sanded out and primed with epoxy primer. Good enough to get back out on the water!! I will finish and gel during the off season.

That looks awesome! I was thinking of attempting the same thing for my eliminator as well once I get the garage setup and do my repaint.

I would be curious now too if that was sturdy enough for people to stand on / slide over to get back into the boat..

One other quick question I have, I noticed your rope attachment, could you send any pics of how / where that is mounted to? All I have for my boat now is the transom y connector rope you get but it sits so low in the water it's pretty hard to use for the kids.. I'd love to get a setup like that for knee boarding and or tubing for them.

Thanks!