Jon Boat Access Hatch Options

[Duck cutter]

Been wanting a cover for the access hatch under the bow on a tracker 1648. Looked at some premade options on Amazon and thought I had found what I needed. The one I ordered won’t work which is no big deal since I can return it but I’ve scoured the internet looking for a ready-made, drop-in access hatch. The hole opening is 22x9 1/2 and I can’t find one for that RO. Next option would be to order a size bigger and cut the hole larger in bother directions. I don’t mind cutting it wider but don’t want to add more height to the opening because that would get into me having to modify the drop in floor as well in order to give me the clearance I need.

Anyone have a good suggestion on a premade solution I haven’t found yet before I buy a piece of aluminum and start making my own door?
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[carolinaslayer]

Have you looked at DPI Marine?

Good options just more expensive than the Amazon stuff. Also, Tiny Boat Nation makes drop-in aluminum lids.

[TeamCutEmAll_SC]

Tiny boat nation!

[quack head 11]

Could you not make this one work?

https://us.amazon.com/NovelBee-Marin.../dp/B0C5DGP9MM

If the length being 1.82” too long will mess you up, you could always put 1” x 1” angle inside the storage and run flush self tapers in to give yourself something to screw the hatch lid to.

Just a thought, but I believe it would work nicely. Holler at me if my explanation doesn’t make sense and I’ll further explain

[Duck cutter]

Could you not make this one work?

https://us.amazon.com/NovelBee-Marin.../dp/B0C5DGP9MM

If the length being 1.82” too long will mess you up, you could always put 1” x 1” angle inside the storage and run flush self tapers in to give yourself something to screw the hatch lid to.

Just a thought, but I believe it would work nicely. Holler at me if my explanation doesn’t make sense and I’ll further explain

So that’s the one I have,
Those dimensions are for the outside, not the rough opening. I didn’t pay attention to that when I ordered it. I could, “make it work” but the actual size for the door itself when opened is only 6 3/4” making it significantly smaller when trying to put things in or take out of the hatch


DPi marine, mentioned above, has a few listed with printable templates for the opening. That seems like a good option to try before ordering from them

[WoodieSC]

What about adding two top hatches, one in either side to the rear of that front seat, in addition to the side hatch you’re talking about? That way you could organize your stuff and have access to all of it.

[Duck cutter]

Really not wanting to cut more hatches in.
That one should be plenty enough room, just want a decent cover for it.

The more storage space I have is just more junk it will collect

[Goin Coastal]

Just cut the opening bigger.

[Duck cutter]

Just cut the opening bigger.

Did you not read the post?

I said cutting wider isn’t a problem but cutting top to bottom may not be an option

[Palmetto Bug]

How about getting a sheet of aluminum big enough to cover it and tall enough to allow a 90 degree break about an inch or two above the level of the raised deck so you could attach it to the top deck with piano hinge? It could lift up and forward and maybe stay up by itself while you access the compartment. You could add latches if you need but gravity would keep it closed.

[Palmetto Duck]

I bought a piece of diamond plate, cut it to fit and painted. Installed a hinge and a latch.

[Duck cutter]

How about getting a sheet of aluminum big enough to cover it and tall enough to allow a 90 degree break about an inch or two above the level of the raised deck so you could attach it to the top deck with piano hinge? It could lift up and forward and maybe stay up by itself while you access the compartment. You could add latches if you need but gravity would keep it closed.

Kinda what I was thinking about doing if I go the make something myself route

[Goin Coastal]

Did you not read the post?

I said cutting wider isn’t a problem but cutting top to bottom may not be an option

I did. But judging from the picture, it isn't a problem. Leave the bottom line alone and raise the top. If the deck hole is not already too big, top to bottom, it should work. You didn't give the size of the lid.

[Whackumstackum]

Take that store bought hatch and cut the plastic that would go in the hole off and mount across the existing hole without cutting the boat any more.

[2thDoc]

i'd push a cooler up next to that sumbitch and roll on

[Duck cutter]

I did. But judging from the picture, it isn't a problem. Leave the bottom line alone and raise the top. If the deck hole is not already too big, top to bottom, it should work. You didn't give the size of the lid.

Take that store bought hatch and cut the plastic that would go in the hole off and mount across the existing hole without cutting the boat any more.

The picture didn’t show the problem clearly. The hatch cover shown won’t work I’ve already sent it back. Mainly was showing it as an example of what I was looking for

Tha sk for the suggestions though