Hatch Blanks are required as per the Maritime and Coastguard Agencies, Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels, Code of Practice:
"Unless the glazing material and its method of fixing in the frame is equivalent in strength to that required for the structure in which it is fitted, a portable “blank” should be provided which can be efficiently secured in place in event of breakage of the glazing."
‘Hatch Blanks’ are Made to measure to suit every hatch.
The ‘Hatch Blank’ Cover and backing strips are made from non-slip, 19mm High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) due to its high strength to density properties.
As a safety product the ‘Hatch Blank’ is bright red in colour and so can be spotted from a distance.
The bolt heads are recessed into the top cover and the ‘Hatch Blank’ edges chamfered to prevent any trip hazards and prevent ropes and sails from catching.
The ‘Hatch Blank’ cover has a 3mm recess around the edge which has a 3mm rubber gasket fitted to help prevent any damage to the hatch trim and also help to prevent water ingress.
The backing strips have a 3mm recess at either end, these are to prevent damage to the hatch trims and headlining
All the ‘Hatch Blank’ fittings are made of Stainless Steel due to the marine environment. The ‘Wing Nuts’ are of the ‘long Arm’ variety to enable ease of tightening with extra purchase. Below the wing nuts are penny washers and spring washers to distribute the tightening load and prevent the 'Wing Nuts' from vibrating loose.
The end of the tightening bolts have Plastic Dome nuts fitted to prevent any bolt ends from being exposed to prevent injury.
You will need a hatch blank in the following scenarios:
If you are unable to find your hatch in the links, all we require is the width and diameter of your hatch, if you could also send a picture of the hatch that will help us to identify the hatch and provide you with an estimate for your ‘Hatch Blank’. Please make all dimensions in millimetres.
As per the maritime code of conduct:
"Unless the glazing material and its method of fixing in the frame is equivalent in strength to that required for the structure in which it is fitted, a portable “blank” should be provided which can be efficiently secured in place in event of breakage of the glazing."
Our Hatch Blanks are manufactured specifically to you requirements.
Send over you measurements and we'll provide a quote.
