: I like the idea of knob-closed hatches, but (no offense intended) I don't
: like having knobs sticking out of my deck. What if I used a knob with a
: brass ring like the one (hopefully) pictured, except without the flowery
: trim ring. I coud use a brass washer and gasket instead of the trim ring
: for water-tightness. A stainless version would probably be better, just
: haven't found one ready-made yet. The ring could double as a place to tie
: a hatch leash. When not being used the ring lays flat. When you need to
: unscrew the hatch the ring is lifted and turned. A brass or stainless
: steel ring might look more "nautical" and lay flatter than a
: wood handle. Please don't think I'm knocking any type of closure system,
: just passing on an idea and wondering if it would work before I screw up
: my kayak.

Hi Malcolm,

Why not make your own brass fittings? You can buy a book at the link below, that will teach you how to make your own metal foundry and melt aluminium and brass (I'm not sure of the meltingpoint of bronze you may be able to do that too), make molds, and pour your own castings.

The book only costs $7.95, and you should be able to set up a furnace for less than $25. I've been thinking about doing this for a few years, but have other priorities, so I won't try it myself for a while yet.

You'd be working with molten metal, obviously pretty dangerous stuff, but, you could make some pretty nice fittings for deck rigging etc.

Anybody else tried this?

This book is part of a series that tells you how to make your own machine shop from scrap metal, they're on my "gotta have" list. They're also on my "gotta convince the missus" list.

Cheers,

Paul.