anyone added additional hatches?

[LiquidWrench]

Toying with the idea of adding a couple more hatches on my 260DA. One above the galley and one above the dinette like the 268's have. Just wondering if anyone has done it and if it made any real improvements. I got a really good deal on a pair of them but not sure if I want to cut more holes (more chance of leaks) if the return isn't worth it.

 

[HUMPH]

Tough call, not sure how this would affect the overall strength of your top sides. A lot of work to tie in the headliner and whatnot along with keeping the new opening watertight. Good luck if you choose to do it! If you choose to, document it here with pictures.

 

[SloBurn]

I would worry most about creating structural problems on deck. Not worth it in my opinion. I would install overhead LEDs if lighting is the reason, and a fan in my hatch if it's airflow that you want to improve.

 

[LiquidWrench]

I am not talking about huge hatches, the ones I got are about 10" square, about the same size the 268 had. I don't see that they would really change the structure. Yes a hole is being cut out and an aluminum frame is being screwed in in it's place. I am not an engineer so I could be wrong but as I said, the 268 had these hatches, I believe the 270's did also.

 

[Ottawamerc]

I do like them in my 268, I don't think it would jeopardize the structure terribly and you could seal them like any other hatch.

Scott