Dbl D Posted August 10, 2020 Report Share Posted August 10, 2020 2003, 2200V. Engine sold, new 200 Suzuki on way. Definitely time to improve bilge access. Existing hole 8.5in. I want to install a rectangular no hinge service door (Jim Black or Innovative). 9x13 up to 9x21. Glass in this area is thin and certainly doesn’t feel structural but....... Question is how big and has anyone safely enlarged this opening on your rig? Issues/problems/suggestions. Know of any other companies making no-hinge service doors? Thanks in advance for info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 Use to be the standard was 13x17 no hinges. Company no longer around, Can’t remember name. Jim Black now the go to if not mistaken but smaller. Think it’s the 9x13 being used now. I have tried several times finding the old, nada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 2 hours ago, Dbl D said: Know of any other companies making no-hinge service doors? Thanks in advance for info. I just took off the hinges and put together a small brace to hold it in place. This way it uses the original locks and then lifts up. You don't take off very often so no big deal. I'll take some pics. dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 I think a lot of us have whacked out the ole MBG pie hole for something bigger on lots of their models. I used a gasketed TH Marine model that has no hinge so the entire lid is removable. It comes up fairly often on here and somewhere along the way I read maybe TH Marine no longer makes this style but not sure...a search of posts here may offer some more insight too on the Jim Black's as I remember reading about someone using it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 Correct as I recall TH had the 13x17 hatches. They were great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 14 hours ago, triplec said: I think a lot of us have whacked out the ole MBG pie hole for something bigger on lots of their models. I used a gasketed TH Marine model that has no hinge so the entire lid is removable. It comes up fairly often on here and somewhere along the way I read maybe TH Marine no longer makes this style but not sure...a search of posts here may offer some more insight too on the Jim Black's as I remember reading about someone using it too. This is the one I had looked for as well and could not find (above), what I did was get the same one but without the 2nd lock attachments...it had a hinge, I removed the hinge and then created a way to just lift it off a bolt... Will get pics eventually dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 Here is the splashwell idea for cutting off the hinges...the wing nuts go on the bolts.... dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 Just did a online search. There are 13x17 Hatches on the market but with hinged lids. Should be easy enough to mod them with no hinges. ????. But what do I know, right Wanna. Lol😀⚓️🙏 fin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redrum Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 https://thmarinesupplies.com/products/designer-series-hatches-removable?variant=14339227222059 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 2 hours ago, Redrum said: https://thmarinesupplies.com/products/designer-series-hatches-removable?variant=14339227222059 Is this recent Wow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redrum Posted August 11, 2020 Report Share Posted August 11, 2020 Looks real to me, I put in my cart, said white in stock and asked for credit card info. They are a lot more money now than they used to be, but what isn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 17 hours ago, Redrum said: Looks real to me, I put in my cart, said white in stock and asked for credit card info. They are a lot more money now than they used to be, but what isn't. Yes they are. Good that they brought them back. Well worth the money. My spider monkey is getting old for working down there. 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Delaski Posted August 15, 2020 Report Share Posted August 15, 2020 Yes. The above posts are correct. TH marine 13x17. I got one today upon referral from the Hewes Factory. Installing soon on 1999 Light Tackle. No hinges is the key. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geaux Time Posted August 19, 2020 Report Share Posted August 19, 2020 Agree with multiple replies regarding TH Marine 13x17" hatch. I put one in my Bayfisher years ago and it has saved me headache and heartache. My previous posts have pictures of the project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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