> Thanks Paul,

> Yes I was extreemely frugal. I cut out the braces from other scraps and
> the left over slivers were non-uniform and not worth saving. I'm not sure
> my clamps would have grabbed them at all. However I'm saving your ideas
> for the next boat.

> My wife suggested that I use some strap clamps to establish the hatch
> curve and then weigh down the hatch braces, or just - DUCT TAPE - them on
> to the hatch while the glue sets. Seems to make sense to me.

> I had another idea. The hatch cover is already pre-curved because, while
> it was part of the deck, I put a layer of glass on it. However, when I cut
> out the hatch I must have released some tension because the curve is not
> the same. I was thinking that I could over-curve the cover (how much?) and
> add a layer of glass to the inside. When I released the clamps the cover
> Thank you again for responding,

> John

Fellow Hatchers: I have not reached this point yet, but I read with interest. I planned to use the "spring back" to increase pressure on the gasket by mounting "Dzus" hold-downs on the sides of the hatch. Two should do the job under these conditions, (under-curve) and the white Nylon jobbies should simulate ivory for an acceptable effect. I will use small plastic wells under the stationary part of the clips on the deck, if it is necessary to water proof them. Now that y'all have got the curve problem solved, what are you using for holdowns? TNX, Scotty