BOAT HATCH COVERS FOR STORAGE, LIGHT, AND VENTILATION

Boat hatch covers are some of the most important parts of boats. A boat hatch cover is a steel structure that is made to prevent the inflow of water into the boat. The hatch itself is a place on the boat which is used for storage, ventilation, and light. The hatch covers come in so many different designs and types and they also provide a lot of advantages and benefits for the boat.

Some of the types of boat hatch covers include folding hatch covers, lift-away hatch covers, pontoon hatch covers, and so on. Each of these hatch covers is unique in its way, irrespective of the boat that they are being used on.

There are so many uses of the boat hatch covers from amarine. The main purpose of the hatch cover is to prevent access of water into the boat after a large opening has been created in the deck to allow cargo access. Other uses of the hatch cover include:

(a) STORAGE ACCESS

The boat is supposed to have a place where you can store whatever you want to use in the future. Since boats move on water, the storage area is supposed to be a place where the things stored will not rust or get damaged by water. The hatch cover serves as storage access to the storage area itself.

(b) PROTECTION AGAINST WATER AND WEATHER

Boat hatch covers also serve as protection against major stuff in the boat. These include electric and fuel lines. It is obvious the damage that can be caused to electric appliances and the fuel lines when they come into contact with water or whenever there is a storm. The hatch cover prevents any such damage.

(c) IT SERVES AS VENTILATION/WINDOW

If you want ventilation in the boat, the hatch covers can serve as wonderful ventilation. You can also make them as windows, which can be opened or you can look through it if it is see-through.

ADVANTAGES OF BOAT HATCH COVERS

(a) They reduce interior cabin temperature

(b) Allow privacy from prying eyes

(c) They prevent sun rays which can be damaging

(d) They are easy to install and also economical

FEATURES OF BOAT HATCH COVERS

Boat hatch covers have so many features and they include:

• Vertical or Horizontal Use

The boat hatch cover can be position in either horizontal or vertical positions. This largely depends on where it is situated. The makers of the boat hatches make the hatch covers in either of the two styles.

There are so many manufacturers of the boat hatch cover and you can choose depending on the brand you prefer.

• Trim

Boat hatch covers also possess trims which are of great advantage to the boat. The trim helps to prevent leaking and it does this by preventing external elements from getting in and also prevents internal elements from getting out.

• Shape

There are so many different shapes of boat hatch covers. The different varieties are based on the users’ preferences. The shape can be round, rectangular, or square. Even the different shapes have their advantage each.

For example, the rectangular-shaped boat hatch cover is advantageous to storing stuff like water skis and fishing rods. If you wish to store things like electronics, the small square-shaped boat hatch cover is beneficial. To store anchors, the large square-shaped hatch cover is preferable.

• Material and Construction

Two materials are prominent in the making of boat hatch covers and these are the aluminum and polycarbonate materials. Both of the materials have their differences. For example, the aluminum hatch cover material is a bit heavier compared to the other.

The similarities between the two are that they are both durable and corrosion-resistant. This makes them able to withstand saltwater and marine conditions.

• Low-Profile

The boat hatch cover can be situated anywhere on the boat but wherever they are situated, they should keep a low profile and not stick out to the extent that they can cause problems or discomfort.

For example, one has to make sure that the hatch cover does not stick out too much when it is located where people can pass or walk over it. This can cause discomfort or even damage if care is not taken.

• Types of Window/Portlight Boat Hatch Covers

As mentioned earlier, the boat hatch cover can be in the form of a window. There are so many examples of this.

(a) Low profile: This type of window is one that is close-fitting even though it is more slightly elevated.

(b) Medium profile: This one is different from the low profile in that it has more of a pronounced look compared to the low profile.

(c) High profile: This type is different from both the low profile and medium profile because as the name implies, it is situated in a high area and best suited as a window.

(d) Pilot hatch: As the name implies, this is meant for the cockpit area.

(e) Flush hatch: This type of hatch sits flush against the boat’s side, hence its given name.