How to Access Aluminum Boat Hatches

The storage hatch location varies on the type of aluminum boat.

Aluminum boats are available in a variety of sizes and styes and have many different purposes. The aluminum metal provides the shell for the boat hull, deck and storage hatches. The storage hatches and its access depends on the style of the boat. For almost all of the boat styles, the hatches provide a watertight area to hold cargo, life jackets, fishing gear or marine electronics. Accessing the hatches may be as simple as turning a latch or it may involve inserting a latch key to open and use the space.

Things You'll Need

• Hatch key (optional)

Instructions

1. On run-about style fishing boats, open the side door panel on the metal seat tubes running across the deck of the boat. These have storage in the thwart and seat area of the boat, as there is no closed deck space to house storage. Most thwart hatches have a knob or enclosed handle that turns counterclockwise to open.

2. Grip the edge of the bow seats on aluminum bow riders and push the seat up to access the storage hatches. Many bow rider style boats have strorage under the bow deck seats. In addition, look under the cabin seats for extra storage hatches. Lift on the sides of the seats to push them up, thus exposing the storage areas.

3. Open the side storage hatches along Jon Boats or mid-size fishing boats made from aluminum. Some side panels have a locking mechanism that opens with a hatch key. Simply insert the key and turn counterclockwise to open.

4. Look along the deck on larger fishing boats. Larger fishing boats may have storage hatches between the deck boards and the hull. Peel back carpeting or rugs to expose the storage hatches. Many of these have semi-circle handles. Lift the handle up, turn it counterclockwise and lift the door open.

References

• Discover Boating: Types - Boating Information