Re: Magnets - Hatch Cover

Posted by Laszlo on Aug 4, 2006

The magnets have definitely been used for hatches and they are definitely powerful enough to replace the straps. The only problem is that any magnet strong enough to hold the hatches is guaranteed to disturb a compass whereever you put it on the boat. (I can noticeably deviate a compass with just a refrigerator magnet 2 feet away)

The other issue with rare earth magnets is that they can be brittle. If 2 of them slam together, they'll shatter. So you'll need some way of cushioning the contact. Do a google for magnetic hatch covers to see how others have handled it.

Good luck,

Laszlo

In Response to: Re: Magnets - Hatch Cover by Andrew Sommer on Aug 3, 2006

Replies: