In evaluating my options for a replacement material, I knew I didn't want wood because wood deteriorates, see above. So I started looking around at other options like Starboard. I could not find Starboard at my local Home Depot, nor was I inclined to actually place an order for any because I knew it's be expensive. So, while walking around the materials section at Home Depot, I came across some flat PCV material (22"x .25"x8'). I was unaware of this material in this flat format literally until I saw it at Home Depot. Starboard was familier to me, but I never really pursued acquiring any.
I cut the PVC board into 26" sections because that was the widest part of the existing hatch. Then I put the the two cut sections flat on the garage floor flush with each other and overlaid the old hatch and mearly traced the outline, using my old hatch as a template....sorry no pix of this phase of the operation, so just use your imagination.
Now here is the funny part. I had tossed my old workbench because, well, I needed room in the garage to store Puffin. I still needed a workbench, so I ordered one of those Black & Decker Workmates from Amazon ($44.00 used in original packaging - a return, free two day shipping with my Amazon Prime subscription, thank you very much):
As you can see, some assembly was required....after four beers and some reverse engineering (and then ultimately assembly according to the directions) I was able to begin the real scary work of cutting the PVC board according to the template:
I also broke out my Black & Decker electric circular saw for the long straight cuts, but for the smaller and more intricate cuts, I relied on my hand saws. I still need to cut a flange where the two boards meet in the hatch so as to allow rainwater to not seep into the cabin. Gonna need a router or table saw for that cut.
Finished product:
Cutting some vents and locking hinge are still in order, but I was absolutely amazed the cuts and fit would turn out as perfect as they did. I am pretty proud of my efforts since I had been stressing out about this project. We'll see how this PVC board does, it is not as strudy as Starboard or wood, but since I am not leaving Puffin in a yard for weeks on end and only locking when ashore, the hatch I created should suffice.
