Hatch Farm

[BobG]

What comparisons can be made regarding girder strength of the "hatch farm" boats and later construction fitted with hatch cranes and hatches on 24-ft centers?

[hayhugh3]

It used to be, you did not get a wheel'n job until you had your 18 month AB. You could practice on Sunday (if the boat was out on the lake) by giving the wheelsman a break to do his laundry.

[Alex]

Jon Paul, please share what boats you like wheeling, thanks.

[Jon Paul]

That post epitomizes exactly why I got my AB...ASAP and jumped at the first wheeling job available, lol

[Darryl]

Just to add a little bit, there would be a midship winch, that would require moving a cable threaded through two big snatch blocks, place on the gunnel and attached to the inboard leaf of a hatch cover.

Then a signal by the deckhand, and the watchman on the winch would "tug" the port or starboard half of the telescoping opening. Sledge hammers and crowbars had to be close by. Hatch leaves could come off the hatch combing, etc. Or so it was on 70 year Steinbrenners.

[hayhugh3]

When you came aboard in the spring and saw all the hatches you knew it was going to be a long year. After you brought all the tarps up out of the dunnage room, you could start getting out the "J" hooks, angle irons, rubbers, strong backs, battens, and of course the wedges.