Hatch covers

[Morequestions]

What is the strength Hatch covers are built to? They should hold up to a breaking wave I hope. But what if I lost balance and fell on one, accidentally stepped on it,

Would I break it, crack it or punch it through?

[Sailmonkey]

Hatch covers? Typically are canvas.

Hatches though, offshore safe ones, can be walked on.

[redsky49]

My understanding is that hatches are designed to be stepped on. However, sun exposure will weaken the acrylic or polycarbonate over time, especially at the lower latitudes. In addition, the clarity of the lens will be affected every time it is touched, either by washing, stepping on it, dragging a line across it, bird droppings, etc.

They are time limited, regardless of how treated. That includes the sealants used in their manufacturing.

[Pelagic]

They are rated to be stood on as many are flush deck and easy to do so.

[Morequestions]

It's comforting to hear they are made to be stepped on, Thanks to all

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by Morequestions

It's comforting to hear they are made to be stepped on, Thanks to all

That does not mean to imply all are created equal. Some are very well made and up to the task, some are not.

[Don C L]

Some will flex when you stand on them, but should hold a few hundred pounds at least I 'spect. Catalina 27 hatches, over the companionway, I believe will flex a bit because they are pretty large.

[rotrax]

Lewmar hatches do craze but the strength is hardly affected in the real world.


Canvas covers to keep UV light off the acrillic when not in use lengthens the time before crazing occurs dramaticaly.


Some hatches are not so strong - the Houdini for example has protective metal bars over the acrillic.


The Lewmar anchor locker hatch on our boat has a dimpled non slip finish. Lewmar would not have done this had they not intended it to be walked on.