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Companionway hatch from Cyprus?

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cdscott
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/21/2002 : 14:46:30

Does anyone have experience rebuilding the companionway hatch from cypress? My father swears by cypress for anything that will be exposed to weather.

In addition, does anyone have a source for temples or drawings of the factory hatch boards?

Thanks!

Douglas Scott, Brandon MS
dougscott@cmams.com
#1459 - Free Indeed, 1979 Tall rig, Swing keel
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be FREE INDEED." John 8:36

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2002 : 15:07:58

I havent worked with cypress, but I have heard that it is one of the best woods for outdoor projects. As for templates, if you have your old hatches you got great templates already.
Matt

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2002 : 15:36:13

I made some hatchboards out of plywood, to use while I was refinishing the factory boards, and for other temporary purposes. I used the factory hatchboards for patterns, tracing their outlines on the plywood. I cut them out with a table saw, and then cut the overlaps on each board with a router. The bottom edge of the bottom hatchboard should be cut at an angle. If you look at it, you'll see what I mean. If I had used a more decorative wood, instead of the more utilitarian plywood, they would look very nice, and they fit perfectly.

I haven't worked with cypress, but, if your dad recommended it, he has probably worked with it, and probably knows what he's talking about. Talk to a knowledgeable person at a good lumberyard, and he can tell you whether cypress would be suitable for that use. If not, I used mahogany to fabricate a new tiller, and can recommend it. It is strong, looks good, was fairly easy to work with, and was not really very expensive.

If you lack one or more of the power tools that you need for the job, some of the better lumberyards will do "millwork" for you at a reasonable cost. You have to explain to them, clearly, what you want them to do, and they can do it for you.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

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Bristle
Admiral

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USA
834 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2002 : 20:11:28

You could also try ipe (ee-pay)--a Brazilian mahogany. It has been used to build the boardwalks at Atlantic City and Mystic, CT, as well as my deck. It's sort of like teak that's been marinated for a few years in epoxy, and unlike teak, truly needs NO maintenance. (My deck will be standing long after the house has crumbled.)

Only problem: You'll go through some tools making the boards. Ipe eats saw blades, router blades, and drill bits like they're salami! It also becomes a little more abrasive than teak as it weathers...

BTW, don't come after me about Amazon deforestation--the stuff I used is from a properly managed, sustainable forestry program. I was skeptical about that, too.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT

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DaleV
Deckhand

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8 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2002 : 22:59:35

I made some hatches out of Cypres on another boat I had and it worked great. The only thing they told me at the lumber yard was to always wear amask when sanding cuz it gives off cynide type gas when you sand it.
Good luck
Dalev

SK/SR #4382

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 03/26/2002 : 15:45:39

Douglas,

I know nothing of cypress other that it is a tree that grows in the swamps and that it is rather weather resistant. If I were in a position where teak wasn't available and cypress was I'd go for it. Develope your own knowledge pool.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT

Val Bisagni

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Steve
1st Mate

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USA
87 Posts

Response Posted - 03/26/2002 : 16:57:49

Douglas,

I built a porch swing about three years ago from cypress. It's been exposed to the weather the entire time, with no stain or sealer, and there is no rot or decay evident at all. I'm not sure about other regions of the country, but down here (Alabama) cypress is readily available at Lowes & Home Depot, plus much less expensive than teak. I think cypress would be a good choice. Good luck!

Steve
87 WK Tall Rig

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FrankV
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 03/26/2002 : 20:14:30

I use cypress on tongue and groove porch boards on our house porch. The wood does not rot, it is easy to work with and ages well. It has a yellow cast to it. It is a very good alternative to teak. If possible, look for old growth cypress, as it lasts longer. You can buy it on the net!

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.