R-23 cut access hatch below microwave

[jagizzi]

I am planning on cutting an access hatch to the cave in the panel below the microwave and am looking for input from those that have done this already.

I have cutout a template and plan on using a rotary cutter. The hope is that this will give me a better cut than a jigsaw. Thoughts on the use of the cutter on fiberglass?

I am also thinking that I will leave the hatch open. Do you think that this will be ok or am I asking for trouble somehow. I didn't want a frame around the opening to catch on clothing when you walk past. I would leave a lip at the bottom to prevent the storage tubs from sliding out when the boat is rocking in any type of seas.

If someone had photos or comments on this plan I would love to see or hear them.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[zekeandboone]

Jim...
I installed 2 doors on my 25. One under the micro and one under the dinette area. I put tape around the cutting area then drew a template on the tape. Started a "saw hole" with a large drill bit, then proceeded with my good jig saw with a fiberglass blade in it. Worked great. But near the floor I didn't have the clearance for the jigsaw shoe. So I bought a rotary cutter bit for my big Dremel at Ace in BG and finished the job. Then glued and screwed the 2 Whitecap teak doors from Fisheries Supply.
I think you might want some type of trim to cover the glass lams, but you could make that decision later...
Steve

It's in the barn, if you want to take a look..

 

[S. Todd]

I recommend using a rotary cutting blade (one of those things that looks like a little like a drill bit with a spiral twist). My experience is that it gives you a nice clean cut with no splintering of the gel coat. It is difficult to make a perfectly straight cut, but if you can control the tool with some type of gig or guide on your work surface it will do a nice straight cut.

 

[oneeyedjackass]

There is a lot of space under seat behind micro. It's open to the coffin berth. This pic is looking down after seat is removed. BTW, It would be really eazy to set up the bench seat to hinge open 😀

 

[jagizzi]

That's interesting. So that hole exists? Or did you cut it?

 

[BB marine]

I have used various saws for fiberglass installations, jigsaw's work good on larger cut outs, Roto zips do a good job for smaller cut outs. My new favorite is the oscillating saw, there are several different blades available for almost any cuts. I purchased it last year to cut the opening for my transom shower. I didn't have a lot of room and needed something that would cut a clean oval hole. I could not believe how nice it cut just from oscillating. I have used it for several other cut outs. It has blades to cut metal, wood, or fiberglass , there is a sander pad and a scraper. This is the saw I purchased - Craftsman 2.0 Amp Compact A/C Multi-Tool. Handy tool!

 

[oneeyedjackass]

That's interesting. So that hole exists? Or did you cut it?

that hole is already there. I believe if you order boat w heater it's mounted in the same place. our seat installed using hinges and screws. would be a easy to modifiy that bench seat where you could access that area under it.

 

[jagizzi]

My seat is installed the same way. I'm crawling into the cave today and looking UP. Interested to know if mine is the same.

Thanks.