1
Introduction
This Manual applies to the following Vetus Hatches type:
- Magnus
- Altus
- FGH(F)
For drawings see pages 13-14.
2
Operation
Locking/unlocking:
All Vetus hatches are fitted with one or more unique locking handle.
With this ergonomically designed handle the last 10 degrees of turn-
ing the handle will lock the hatch. With a slider you lock the handle.
See drawing 1.
1.
Handle closed and locked,
2.
Handle closed and not locked,
3.
Slide open: not locked
4.
Slide closed: locked
Opening:
Turn the handle(s) quarter of a turn and push the hatch open. The
handles can also be opened from the outside if unlocked, not for
FGHF deck hatches. Magnus hatches are fitted with friction hinges
and will stay open to any position. Altus and FGH(F) hatches are fit-
ted with telescopic friction stay(s) which can be tightened to hold
the hatch open in any position.
For Altus and FGH(F) hatches make sure the friction stays are loos-
ened and free to move before opening or closing the hatch, or dam-
age may be done to the hatch.
The FGHF escape hatches can be opened from the outside with a
winch handle. Open the hadge from outside only in case of emer-
gency. If there is no winch handle on the boat, the hatch can not be
used as an escape hatch.
The FGHF deck hatches can not be opened from the outside.
Ventilation:
All Magnus, Altus and FGH(F) hatches can be closed, and locked in
either the ventilation position or fully closed position. See drawing 2.
For hatches with four or more handles, only use the handles opposite
the hinge when in ventilation position.
Closing:
Ensure that the handles are in the 'open' position. Pull the hatch
closed, turn the handles a quarter of a turn and lock them. See Draw-
ing 1 (1).
For Altus and FGH(F) hatches make sure the friction stays are loos-
ened and free to move, or damage may be done to the hatch.
Magnus hatches are fitted with a positive rubber seal to ensure maxi-
mum water tightness. Initial closing of the hatch after installation
may require assistance from the outside of vessel. Once the hatch
has been closed for the first time the seal will set and allow trouble
free operation of the hatch.
4
070109.02
3
Safety
Escape hatch handles must be unlocked when sailing. See Drawing
1 (3).
4
Fitting
N.B.: The highest permitted design category or the highest permit-
ted area of use is stated on every hatch.
When fitting the hatch, take the following into account:
- The hatch must open outward.
- Fit the hatch on a completely flat surface! The hatch will never be
watertight when closed if fitted on a curved surface!
- First, fill out the curved surface with a close-fitting wood frame.
- It is not possible to check that the hatch is watertight until it has
been completely built into the ship.
- When the hatch has not been fitted in the ship, the opening and
closing of the hatch can damage the aluminium frame and/or
hinges when the hinges have been adjusted very tight!
- Even when the hatch has been built in, the hinges should not be
adjusted too tightly; this could damage the frame and/or hinge,
so that a good seal can no longer be guaranteed.
• Draw the hole to be cut out using the hatch deck frame.
All Vetus hatches are manufactured with a corner cutout radius of
43 mm (1
11
/
").
16
The FGH(F) hatch is recessed into the deck so that the top of the
acrylate window will lie level with the deck.
Take the dimensions given in diagram 8 into account when deter-
mining the dimensions of the part recessed into the deck.
At least 1 water outlet must be made at the lowest point of the
recessed part of the deck.
• Cut the hole in the ship by sawing for polyester, aluminium or
wood, or by acetylene cutting for steel. Remove all burrs carefully
and smooth the edges.
Dust released when cutting and sanding glass-fibre reinforced
polyester is hazardous to lungs and eyes. So always wear a dust
mask and goggles when working with this material. Ventilate
the working area well.
• Position the hatch over the cut hole and mark the fixing holes for
the frame, see Drawing 4. Drill the holes and remove any burrs.
• Removal of friction stay mount will allow hatch (only Magnus and
Altus) to open fully for installation. See figure 3.
• Apply a sufficient amount of sealant to ensure a good seal, see
Drawing 5. Position the hatch on deck.
W
!
arning
vetus® Hatches