[pcolaboi83]

Just bought this boat and didn't think this would bother me too much, but I was certainly wrong. I definitely need to be able to access this hatch more than I can currently. Any ideas as to how I can either cut this hatch door to open around t-top pole or anyone know how much it would cost (est.) to have a kick-out put in this pole for door to open?

 

[Bill Me]

How about get rid of the hinge and make it completely removable? Use 4 dogs or something similar to open and remove?

 

[pcolaboi83]

Honestly didn't think about getting rid of hinge, I'll have to look into that. Sorry, but what do you mean by dogs? Doesn't ring a bell to me

 

[johnsonbeachbum]

or maybe a sliding door might even be able to slide it either way.

 

[johnsonbeachbum]

I think he is talking about two more quarter turn latches.
Or four if the existing ones are not qtr turns.

 

[pcolaboi83]

The problem I run into is that I cannot even remove the hatch frame and door completely as some screws are behind the door that won't open all the way. I'll probably end up having to cut it off with a disk cutter of some sort then rigging it on different system. I appreciate the input though

 

[panhandleslim]

You can add a vertical, piano hinge where it is hitting and add a quarter turn top and bottom to the aft of that point.

Basically you end up with a slightly narrower door but since it will fold around that stanchion you should have plenty of access.

 

[NoleAnimal]

Double-hinge. Cut the door vertically and put another set of hinges to break open right where the door hits the t-top support. You can open the door and mark right where it makes contact and the close the door and draw the complete line using a level and then cut it. You'll still lose an inch or two of clearance, but it would make it much more usable.

 

[NoleAnimal]

Guess we were typing that out at the same time, slim.

 

[panhandleslim]

Guess we were typing that out at the same time, slim.

Great minds, huh?

 

[lastcast]

Turn the whole frame 180 deg.

 

[pcolaboi83]

Thanks for the thoughts. I like the double hinge idea. Still trying to decide, but will post pics of what I finally decide on and end up with.

 

[johnsonbeachbum]

turning the whole assembly 180 would result in the door opening about 2".

Cut the hinge loose or remove.
Install two "z" brackets on the back that allow you to slide door sideways a bit and hook around the backside of door jamb (hinge side) as your swinging it closed.

 

[TightLines172]

Flip the whole frame so the door opens the opposite swing, then cut the hatch in half and add a piano hinge. You'll end up with a bi-fold door opening up access to the entire hatch...just with an opposite swing...

 

[Bill Me]

I think he is talking about two more quarter turn latches.
Or four if the existing ones are not qtr turns.

Yes, that is what I meant

 

[Bill Me]

Flip the whole frame so the door opens the opposite swing, then cut the hatch in half and add a piano hinge. You'll end up with a bi-fold door opening up access to the entire hatch...just with an opposite swing...

Good solution

 

[pcolaboi83]

Good solution

I like this solution. Problem is getting the hatch off due to some screws being hidden behind door that wont open. Will end up having to cut off hinge anyways so that may be the way to go. I appreciate the ideas guys

 

[Snagged Line]

are they screws, or nuts and bolts?/ If you can loosen the screws from the backside with vice grips enough to get a hack saw blade behind the flange and cut the screw or loosen the nut and do the same...

or possibly unmount the entire T-Top to get it out of the way to remove flange....

 

[pcolaboi83]

are they screws, or nuts and bolts?/ If you can loosen the screws from the backside with vice grips enough to get a hack saw blade behind the flange and cut the screw or loosen the nut and do the same...

or possibly unmount the entire T-Top to get it out of the way to remove flange....

They are screws and I never really thought about unmounting the entire T-top; didn't exactly know how much trouble that would be. Ill be working on it some this weekend so I'll update when project gets going.

 

[Catchin Hell]

Cut the hinges since you can't get to the screws. Then add some brackets to the back on the hinge side of the door that will extend past the inside edge. You can use 5200 to make the brackets out of starboard or find some stainless spring metal and screw it to the back side of the door. Best case scenario would be to find something that will snap in place and keep tension on the door when it's closed. I hope that makes sense. I'm afraid you'll lose your water tight seal if you go with a bi-fold door.