Forum Discussion

silversand's avatar
silversand
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013

Anyone used ocean-rated yacht hatches: replace the RV scrap?

Has anyone here ever replaced the typical plastic RV scrap roof vents with a real ocean-rated yacht hatch?

Obviously, the cut-out size would vary to some degree (but this could easily be remediated; many RV manufacturers are willing to install or modify your truck camper to accommodate almost anything!). I've been looking at the heavy-duty Vetus "Magnus" line of roof escape hatches, with full aluminum (anodized) bezel and acrylic (10mm thick acrylic) window framed in anodized aluminum; openable inside and outside (and fully lockable from inside); 4 heavy-duty locking handles; infinite 180 degree friction hinges; etc, etc, etc, etc.

Again, these marine hatches are built to withstand full ocean-going use, and are deck mount certified (i.e. you can walk on the closed hatch).

Here is a link to one particular size (511 mm x 511 mm cut-out), in a PDF document, with specifications: clicky-->

The price on this one is $497. The interior finishing bezel & screen is also available.

Marine ocean-going hatches (bedded in 3M 4000 bedding compound) are so vastly superior to the horrid RV industry-wide used escape hatches, it is laughable. The price is also cheaper, equal to, or $100 ~ $200 more (depending on hatch size). This hatch would probably outlast your camper by 50 years.

....hmmmmmm?
  • You have to refer to the right jack as the starboard jack and the left jack as the port jack and you will have the added expense of red and green navigation lights which can be mounted onto the jacks


    Hah hah! Excellent one Bob :B We'd have to go Total Marine ;)
  • Hi Guys:

    Sleepy makes a very good point. With the screen in place, you need to push the hatch open with your hand (there is no crank), and re velcro the screen. Out 1000 kilometers off-shore, there aren't too many bugs!

    I'd (personally) wouldn't be averse to treating the screen with Permanone (a very long-lasting broad-spectrum repellent).
  • Sounds like a good idea silver, with the exceptions of a few things if you use a certified marine deck hatch...
    Once you actually make the change, its going to take you forever to get anywhere due to the 5 mph 'no wake' zones. You have to refer to the right jack as the starboard jack and the left jack as the port jack and you will have the added expense of red and green navigation lights which can be mounted onto the jacks.
    Other than that,i think its a great idea , go for it .
    Bob
  • I just measured my Lance 1161 escape hatch (Not a Heiki, thank goodness)

    approximate cut out 19 1/2" X 26 1/4"

    actual opening 19" x 25 3/4"

    =================

    Years ago I replaced a 22" x 22" hatch cover on my old camper in it's 15th year with one 22" x 22" x2" thin gauge sheet metal. It was made in a sheet metal shop and had welded corners. It was too heavy for the crank handle that came with the original escape hatch.

    I had to open the screen to assist in lifting my home made cover... letting the bugs inside with us... why have screens?

    I dug deep and bought a new plastic cover that was made for the hatch.

    ++++++++++++++++==

    Silver... would I have to remove or open the screen to open or close the hatch?

    Thats what I hate about the Heiki Hatch... if I have the Heiki hatch open all evening the mosquitos are all arond the outside of the hatch like senior citizens at the Golden Corral.

    Get a little cool in the night or a few rain drops... I have to slide open the Heihi Hatch screen to adjust or close the outside of the Heiki hatch cover...

    ... letting the mosquitos and gnats inside for a gourmet Golden Age meal... me and Janet


    Other than that possibility... I sure like the marine grade, locking hatch.
  • Good point Silver.

    I've thought about something similar myself. I've now got this strong aluminum diamond plate roof and reinforcing rails, I've removed the plastic fridge roof vent, but I'm still left with those plastic hatches. And I'm always squeezing and scraping through trees, so one day I'll lose a roof hatch.

    When I do though I suspect I'll fabricate something out of the same thickness of diamond plate aluminum I used for the rest of the roof (I'm too tight-fisted to pay for an off-the-shelf one). I'll probably wait until I smash the existing one though as I just don't have the time to pro-actively replace stuff in case it breaks.

    Steve.