How do you guys recommend securing hatches?

[NitroAddict]

I am just about finished building an outrigger and was wondering how you guys keep the hatches on. I have read about velcro, magnets etc... I just wanted to know what you much more experienced people than me recommend.

[Doug Forrester]

By far the most popular and effective method of attaching hatch covers that are waterproof is the use of vinyl plastic tape. This method also weighs next to nothing as a bonus.

[AndyKunz]

Hatch on a rigger?

How about 2" wide packing tape. If you need a "hatch" put lexan under the tape.

Andy

[Climate]

The best material for hatches is the vinyl tape that Doug sugested.
It sticks even to a wet surface, is reusable a few times, does not stick so much that it removes all your paint, works on just about any surface warm or cold, and is real cheap.

You can get it from us or from Fullers. I think Andrew sells it as well. It is about $2.00 a roll and 1 roll will last a good part of the season.

[AndyKunz]

3M makes it in a variety of colors. It's available from Home Depot. When I said packing my mind was on another subject - they are both right, vinyl tape is the way to go.

Electrical tape (3/4") works great.

Andy

[ztarum]

Are there any good non-visible methods? I am more on the scale side and don't like the look of tape. I mostly use velcro, and even though it keeps the cowl on well, the cowl shifts around and doesn't always seat perfectly. Is there some kind of snap that would offer a nice solid positive engagement and still be hidden from view? I have yet to try the magnets, but it sounds like they will work pretty well. Too bad about the weight though.

[Drobie]

Renfrew clear hockey tape. You can search the Internet for vendors.

We just bought a case (36 rolls) collectively (3 clubs) and with shipping, paid about $1.49 a roll.

As for the scale look, I'm all for it. However, in reality when it's on display for people to goggle at, it doesn't have to be taped. When it's running sealed with clear hockey tape, you can't see the tape anyway.

[eddieh]

Zt, I sort of feel the way you do, and I don't really like the look of tape, prather sells some very nice cowl locks, and also miniature dzus fasteners, both work well, it doesn't however make the hatch waterproof, just keeps most of it out while running, if you flip it you better have enough flotation in it to keep it floating for a little while, I also use very small bild nuts and bolts from great planes you will hardly notice a recessed 2/56 cap screw, also I have used a rubber band on my evee, 2 eyelets one on the hatch one in the bottom worked fine, but that boat is really really hard to flip, just my 2 cents, cheers eddie

[ztarum]

Thanks, that's more what I'm looking for. I'll have to check out those latches from Prather. As you said, I don't care if its water tight. I just need to keep most of the spray out.

[eddieh]

zt, here's some sights for part numbers etc, the cowl locks shown are a little different, I got mine from the lhs, but these look cool might try them too, cheers eddie

http://www.happyhobby.com/hobb_html/prather.htm
http://www.redlinehobbies.com/accessories/access.htm