Weed hatches in small launches?

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Petel
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Weed hatches in small launches?

Post by Petel » Sun Jul 15, 2018 9:48 pm

Steady progress on the hull re-fit after my last post - thanks for all the advice!

The boat has a weed hatch fitted, however it has clearly never been used as some of the framework of the rear seating prevents the lid from being removed! A few minutes with the multitool (fantatsic bit of kit for boat re-rurb work!) and I could get the lid off. It is placed fairly well - I can actually get my hand / arm down to the prop!

I need to decide if I keep / rework / repair the weed hatch or if I simply cut it out and glass the hole up.....are weed hatches necessary / useful in small launches or are they more trouble than they are worth?

Any thoughts?

Pete
Mike Rometer
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Re: Weed hatches in small launches?

Post by Mike Rometer » Sun Jul 15, 2018 10:15 pm

I'd say definately for canal work, and probably for anywhere else. There are miles of lost rope and other stuff to foul props.
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barts
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Re: Weed hatches in small launches?

Post by barts » Mon Jul 16, 2018 3:19 am

Well, it really depends on how much you like to go swimming. I've had to dive in to remove a giant ball of Hydrilla from Otter's prop... but Rainbow's prop sticks out far enough, being a double-ender, that I could reach the crab pot line that wound itself around the prop shaft with a boat hook.

In a word - yes.

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Mike Cole
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Re: Weed hatches in small launches?

Post by Mike Cole » Mon Jul 16, 2018 7:42 pm

for canals and rivers in the uk. yes to a weed hatch
Mike Cole
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