> A few questions

> 1 - what is "doll stock"

> 2 - does the posted picture match your hatches? (specifically
> are your decks curved or flat?)

> 3 - how do you get enough compression/pressure on the sides of
> your hatches if the pressure is only applied fore and aft?

> Thanks, Mark

Allthough your questions are directed to Jay, I'll answer two of them with relations to my drawing.

1. I took the name "doll stock" from Jay's description and figured it to be a sort of anchor to provide a fastening point in the middle of the hatch opening, like on the drawing.

3. The pressure on the hatch is actually applied in the center of the hatch rather than fore and aft. What's interesting here, is the actual "pulling point" of the force that keeps the hatch down, and that force is supplied by the threaded rod in the center of the hatch. Due to the stiffness of the hatch, this force will distribute almost evenly to the edges of the hatch, and keep it tight in place.

Put a piece of cardboard on the table, apply pressure in center and lift the edges of the cardboard to feel the pressure at the edges.

As for curved or flat hatches: The construction will work in both cases, at least with a reasonable amount of curving. On a curved hatch the *"hold-down" force will be directed in the same direction as the threaded rod thus making an angle relative to the deck at the side edges where the hatch is curved, but it should still be sufficient to keep the hatch tight.

Anyway, to be sure to get the hatch water tight I guess it'll need to be reasonable tight fitted to the lip or coaming of the hatch opening.

And to Mark Kanzler: What about hatches without visible fastening devices on the outside at all, wouldn't that be the ultimate flush-mounted hatch? I have the idea, but need some time to put it on paper (or screen, to be accurate) Be patient.

Totto