> Does anyone have experience putting Beckson screw-in hatches on the deck
> of a boat? I'm going to be building a CLC North Bay and I'm looking for
> some ideas for flush hatches.

I've used Beckson and Viking hatches in my Pintail, Dennis, and I've reserved room in the after deck of my North Bay for a four inch hatch, as well. Since I rigged extra supports --- two extra carlins and a full deck frame --- in the after deck, just behind the aft bulkhead, to make the deck stronger for exits and entrances, I had to set things up carefully. But I'll be able to install a four inch hatch offset to the starboard side if I decide I want to, and the frame will be supported on three sides by carlin or framing. (That's something to think about, 'cause you will decrease the [already marginal, in my opinion] after deck strength when you install any kind of a deck plate.)

As to screw in or snap on styles, I'd go with the screw type; snap on's are easy to snap on, but they're also easy to snap off. The screw in types have an "O" ring (which you should figure on replacing every couple of years) that should do pretty well in keeping the after compartment dry, but try to keep the threads clean so that you're not getting a lot of grit down where the lid tries to seal on the "O" ring. I'd keep it to the four inch size for deck strength concerns as well as for aesthetics.

For what it's worth, Dennis, I'm also considering installing a "glove box" in my North Bay, modeled after what I have on my Pintail. It's a four inch Viking plate which has an extended flange below it with an internal lip; purchased separately, a cylindrical nylon bag can be inserted down this hatch, and is supported by the base of the port. Great for little stuff --- glasses, VHF, Clif's Bar, whatever --- but it is not watertight; I have one in my foredeck so the bag hangs down between my knees (the Pintail has a very small cockpit, if you're wondering about the geometry). The plates run about $6 and the skinny bag (the "fat bags" are kinda big) runs about $12 --- available at the more elite sailing supply houses or anywhere that Hobie Cats are sold --- their biggest users.

In any deckplate installation, you need to start with a fairly large flat area or you will wind up with some distortion in the shape of the deck. The after deck in the NB is easy, but the foredeck may create a few problems. Think that through before you go at that beautiful Okume with a scroll saw.

Good luck with the installation.

Jack Martin