Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[MvModeller]

Hi


I need some advice, Im part way through building a bulker, I have got to a stage where I need to start buiding the deck, but I need to access the hull. I guess the normal way would be to make the hatches liftable.. but they are small.
So Im thinking the whole deck would need lifting to get to the hull.
My concerns are water making its way into the hull..
Any tips on my first build?


https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/image/txncK

[NickelBelter]

How MUCH access do you need, and what's the freeboard like for the finished model?  There are ways to disguise a flush hatch, especially on a deck with piping, rails, plate joints, etc.

[JerryTodd]

You could make all the hatches into a single hatch, connected by sections of deck.  I combined two companionways, with the capstan between them, and a skylight into a single access hatch, but under the bow and stern pivot guns, are flush deck openings.  The main hatch IS the main hatch.
On my Pride model no scale hatch is large enough to get a hand through, so all the hatches will be "flush deck hatches."

[MvModeller]

Many thanks for both your reply. I like the idea of making two or three hatches as one liftable section, that might actually work.


Do you seal the hatches with anything? Or are they just plastic on plastic?

[Fastfaz]

  Hi Darren,
      If you let me know when you are paying us a visit at Southport pond I'll bring my current build (Gribbin Head Tug) and show you how I do hatches. I like lots of access to motors and steering for maintenance and any replacements, I had to remove parts of the deck on my first boat built by someone else to sort out motor alignment and wonky steering. Hope this helps.
               Regards, Pete.

[MvModeller]

Ah thanks Pete, I shall try to pop down on Sunday 14th if your about? Will message you on here to confirm if thats ok. That will be handy 

[Fastfaz]

That's fine Darren just let me know