JEM Watercraft

Just wondering. Every other builders log and post on these forums warns against creating supposedly water-tight compartments without hatches, yet the pontoon plans seem to create 4 of them per side.

If one were going to build these pontoons, wouldn't the builder want to put in at least two hatches per side with corresponding passageways between compartments to allow the ship to breathe?

Just Curious
jtz

Installing a couple twist-out plastic hatches would make for some nice storage.

There's always some risk of condensation in a sealed compartment causing issues. Then again, you risk sinking your boat every time you're on the water.

The pontoon plans are free so they don't go into great detail about build options.

Hi. First impression, hatches sounds great but... I finished building my pontoon in march 07. Since then I navigate almost every weekend, not always in good weather. In my experience, pontoons & Matt's design works great just as it is. I don't recommend installing hatches. Regards from Argentina, Eduardo

http://picasaweb.google.com/educpuey/StitchGluePontoon#

Thats a cool looking boat Eduardo

Thanks, Bemm. It's a great vessel, very reliable. I really enjoy sailing her.