Hatches

I am finishing a build and the last project I have left is the hatches (or lets so hatch lids) for the front and rear decks. What are most of you guys using, aftermarket like Tempress hatches? Are you making your own and if so out of what (besides the obvious, plywood) Not really wanting to make them out of plywood, trying to stay away of having to use 3/4" on the decks to save a little weight. And 1/2" just aint got the strength, IMO. I am going to reuse one of the original hatch lids from the boat. (It had a really cool moulded Bass Tracker lid on it) But I am going to have to do something with the live well as well and the front deck storage.

There are lots of manufactured hatches/hatch covers available. I've looked around some and have found Great lakes Skipper has pretty good prices. People here have favorite places to buy so hopefully others will chime in. https://greatlakesskipper.com/

I also stumbled across this list of lists - The Mother of all Maratime Links - I haven't looked too much but there's a lot there.
https://www.boat-links.com/boatlink.html#top

I agree that greatlakesskipper is a good source. I happen to be selling one right now in the for sale section on this forum.... either way I personally think that factory built ones look a lot cleaner than homemade.

Got my hatch from Great Lakes Skipper. Good price and fast delivery.

I personally really like the way the manufactured hatches work, fit, and look. I've used this one for a few seasons and it is very durable. I've also built a compartment on my boat using the existing wood on the seat and the plastic hatch is way nicer.

Thanks for the replies. I figured most were using the aftermarket. I will probably go the same route but those suckers are a little harder to find in a tan. Thanks for the input.

Check the following link. It’s where I got mine and they have a good selection of tan hatches:

https://greatlakesskipper.com/category-1/22_23-hatches-port-windows-deck-hatches.html

clarkbre said:

Check the following link. It’s where I got mine and they have a good selection of tan hatches:

https://greatlakesskipper.com/category-1/22_23-hatches-port-windows-deck-hatches.html

Click to expand...

Thanks. I have purchased some hatches from them in the past. I was mainly looking to save the money by building some myself. Their price is just about the best but when you need 2 or 3 it still adds up. I think i have got it figured out. The livewell I am going to make out of 3/4" treated plywood/carpet (same as back deck) because it will be hidden under to seat anyway. The front I am goin to have to pony up and buy an aftermarket. Im trying not to half *** this but keep the cost down as well. Ill keep the udates goin on the my build thread. Once again thanks for all the advice.