What's New - New Designs from Baier Marine Hatches

Two New Hatch Designs Solve Marine Design Challenges

CHALLENGE #1: CLEARANCE. Workboats often have clearance issues with hatches that access engine and gear compartments. Standard quick-acting hatches typically have a top-to-bottom height up to 7 inches -- not good when your gear comes up to within 3 to 4 inches of deck level. Boat makers are often forced to fabricate a multi-bolt plate to fill this gap – and these are definitely not quick-acting. Baier Marine has come up with a Low Profile hatch design which is only 2 5/8 Inches (67mm) from top to bottom. This solution is ideal for workboat applications where deck-height clearance is tight.

CHALLENGE #2: SNAGS / SECURITY / POSITIVE INDICATION

Up to now, you have had to choose: either use the no-snag, higher-security centerbolt hatch with a removable T-wrench, or go for the positive indication of engagement provided by a built-in, pull-up T-handle which stays up until the dogs are engaged.

Now, operators have another choice. This new Baier hatch has other benefits besides its low profile: First, it is actuated by a cam assembly which pops up when the hatch is unsecured. With a mere 1/8 turn the cam screws down flush and thus provides POSITIVE INDICATION that the hatch is dogged down. It also offers NO SNAG points for nets and lines. A removable actuating T-wrench stows away SECURED as in the traditional centerbolt design.

CHALLENGE #3: HINGES.

Hatch hinges are often problematic. When stressed, existing designs often break at the hinge point. Operators sometimes want to open a hatch flat on the deck. Yet at other times, they want it to open slightly past over-center and have it stay there, not slamming back down on a hand or noggin when the boat rolls or tips.

Another set of problems occurs when designers use a deck hatch in a vertical aspect like a lazarette door. Lift-out hatches are no longer approved by the Coast Guard in these positions, and flush mount hinges were not designed for vertical operation.

Working with Inspectors, shipyards, naval designers and marine equipment distributors, Baier Marine went through three design rounds to develop their new Hidden-Hinge, fully-articulated assembly which opens to 180 degrees-plus, has an over-center auto stop which holds the cover securely open at 120 degrees, yet releases quickly with a push-lever. Sporting stainless hardware and Delrin slides, the unit works equally well in flush deck or vertical mount positions – perfect for a lazarette hatch-door. Despite all this elegant design, Baier has, in line with the times, kept the price the same as the old style. Available in Round, Oval or Square, with aluminum or galvanized steel deck ring.

Available direct and from Baier Distributors

Vertical mount lazarette door

Locked open at 120 degrees

Quick-release to close