Veneer for Hatch Cover

[WindHawk]

The companionway hatch cover on my boat is made from ply, and a few years of neglect (not mine!) caused it to split quite badly in a few spots. Rescue only required a good dose of epoxy and some paint, but I'd like to try putting a piece of mahogany veneer on it. I've done some reading, and it doesn't look too tough; however, some advice on potential pitfalls would be great.

It's 24"x32".

[Stephen Hutchins]

If the hatch is crowned, and your not using a vaccuum bag, a nice tight joint between the veneer and hatch edge can be obtained by letting the veneer hang over the edges an inch or so, and using straps (or tape) to hold it down while the epoxy cures. The spacing of the straps,and the amount of veneer overhanging is dependent on the thickness of the veneer and the amount of crown.

[ 09-29-2005, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Hutchins ]

[kc8pql]

Originally posted by Stephen Hutchins:
If the hatch is crowned, and your not using a vaccuum bag, a nice tight joint between the veneer and hatch edge can be obtained by letting the veneer hang over the edges an inch or so, and using straps (or tape) to hold it down while the epoxy cures. Sand bags work too.

[Torna]

I'm certainly no expert, but this might be a place where I'd use something other than epoxy - especially if this companionway cover is left exposed to the hot sun all summer. I'd worry the in the heat the epoxy would soften and the veneer would gradually begin to lift/curl at the edges.
But again, I'm no expert...
-leif

[Adamant]

I don't know how it would hold up, but contact cement would get it stuck on REAL quick.

[JimConlin]

I'm assuming that it's a panel which is crowne athwartships and straight longitudinally.

For veneer, i'd only be confident that i had it bonded down tight if i vacuum bagged. It's not terribly difficult. Maybe you can borrow a pump from a refrigeration mechanic. Use nylon window screen for a breather layer.

If vacuum isn't possible and you need to use sandbags, i'd use thicker stock, say 3/16" x 1-1/2" staves.

[wyndham]

You can use a piece of ply to get a good distribution of pressue over the veneer. Use 1/4 or 3/8 depending on the crown of the hatch. Cut the piece to fit and use clamps and wedges around the perimeter. Pretend your trying to glue the thicker piece down.

[paladin]

and put a piece of mylar between the ply and the veneer before you bag it down so the 'poxy dunno glue down yure plywood...

[Ron Williamson]

Another trick for even distribution of pressure is too use a piece of styrofoam between the glue/veneer/mylar(6mil poly vapour barrier works well, too) layer and the plywood.
BTW, it crushes down to nothing,so use clamps with enough thread.
I don't think that contact cement is a great idea out in the weather.
R