Hatch Question

[norm's tear drop]

Hey ,
If you might have seen i have been having hard time with fitting my hatch tight enuf to shut but loose enuf not to tear the seal when doing so . i posted earlier if you want to see that post for more on that , But my new idea is not to use the luan skin just the alluminum on top of hatch frame . when i skined it with the luan is when i pulled it in to tight so was thinking of just skinning the hatch with alluminum, Just float it so to speak

Would this work ?
How would that work on the edge were you shut it at the point of seal meeting hatch and knotch and all ? ( over hang)
Would that be to flimsy?


Ideas and pics are very welcome here please send

Norm

[halfdome, Danny]

I guess if you took your outer ribs and made them 1/8" narrower than the others so you could glue on a 1/8" piece to bring it back to original size with your side wall overhang it might work.

Personally... floating just an aluminum skin over the ribs would not be a good idea. The 1/8" plywood skin makes for a great backing and gives strength to the whole assembly.

If you need more clearance use a rabbit bit on the side wall for the needed amount to remove. Route only half into the side walls and follow up with a straight double fluted bit with a top bearing to clean up the rest. You may need to apply build up where the first bearing runs if your rabbit bit takes off too much. Take it slow and good luck. Danny

[Ageless]

Maybe use 1/8" masonite instead? This would need to be sealed but bends almost on it's own

[2bits]

I used finished paneling and then aluminum. Wish I woulda put a strip of aluminum down on the inner side of the hatch where the galley wall is but oh well.

Is your's not sealing well? I am sorry I missed you'r other post, I am trying to get back into the board as much as I can these days, the heat is helping me stay inside now

You don't need a sumo wrestler G-String tight seal, as long as they mate, and compress. Meaning one seal on the galley wall and one on the hatch, or at least that's how I did it anyway.