Sliding Hatch

I have been working on the sliding hatch as I want to get all items ready for painting at the same time as the hull.

In this photo you can see how I am enlarging the piece I cut out of the cabin top. This way it has the same curve as the cabin and will have the necessary overhang to mount the sliding rails to.

Then, glue the rails onto the cabin and check hatch for fit.

 

Making a leak guard. I might end up needing more than this but will do for now.

Here is the hatch almost ready for painting. It has been fibreglassed in the same way as the rest of the boat. You can just see the rails glued on the underside of the hatch. I will use plastic or vinyl strips on the sliding surface to make the action smooth. I also will add mahogany trim to the front at a later stage.