Posted by PaulW on
URL: https://forum.mymorbic.uk/Notes-on-a-Morbic-Build-in-New-Zealand-tp414p421.html

Forward Hatch - Good to see yours off-centre.
It's a mystery why Vivier specifies central. Easier access to both sides?  We find we rarely need that, and you don't want the mast in the way!

Frame 3 Hatch - You've seen the pic of ours.  It is a smaller diameter than the other three.  IMHO a neatly cut and smoothly finished circular hole of modest diameter, with properly fitted decent quality hatch, should not adversely affect strength at that location.  (N.B. I'm a retired engineer, not a naval architect.)

Swamp test - I stood in the boat while we deliberately swamped "Proteus", for about 20 minutes, to above the tops of all hatches.  This is somewhat deeper than one sees after capsize recovery.  Water ingress from the deliberate swamping was zero on starboard, a few tea-cup-fulls on port, and an egg-cup-full forward.  We attributed the weepage to sub-optimal tightening of hatches.  Despite a subsequent accidental swamping and one capsize the spaces have remained dry.  Gently up to closed, plus a little more seems adequate.  Too tight might tend to degrade the o-ring seal.

Hatch type - The one in your earlier pic looks similar to ours.  I'm now pleased we fitted them.  Reports indicate the lever-closure type are easier to operate but are less watertight.

Oars - Understood.  We're pleased with the length of ours.  BTW - Rather than the thole pin system we use rowlocks with retaining cords.