Converting single rear hatch to a triple?

[Sinkoumn]

I'm just curious if anyone has seen it done, converting a single rear hatch on a 96 Super Sport to the new style triple on the SAN (like the pics below). I've been thinking about this when I have down time at work, but is there any problems any of you can see in trying to do this?

Assuming that I am proficient in reupholstering , and working with fiberglass and varying tools I don't think something like this would take more than a few days to complete, or would be all that expensive.

I don't plan on doing this tomorrow or anything, but just wanted to hear what you all thought about the idea.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Converting single rear hatch to a triple?

If you do it, go '03-style. They were one-year-only doors that open with the push of a button. Mine work quite well. The '04 and later latches are mounted on the sunpad, and are knee busters.

[ag4ever]

The push button was also done in '02.

In '02 the vent for the engine blower was at the rear, and there were also two scallops at each side hatch with a button just under the edge of the cover. There was also a button behind each grab handle in the boat. The '03 had a flush rear transom that sealed the cover to the hull a lot better, but you lost the buttons at the rear to open them. Also the vent port was moved to the sides of the boat preventing the water from flooding the bilge when backing too fast.

I personally love the buttons at the rear because it allows you to open the hatches right from the platform so you can store your gear without having someone in the boat opening it for you. Many times we are swimming in the middle of the lake and want a life vest or other thing that is in the rear storage. We can then just hop on the platform pop the hatch and get the gear w/o even getting in the boat.

The only problem with the button releases is when the hatches are dry. They tend to stick together and the first opening is tough. You have to push the button, hold it down, and pull the hatch open. Once it is open and you get water on the hatch where the two touch, they just pop open w/o any extra help after pushing the button.

I personally think the best combo would be the '03 side vents with the '02 button locations.

[NautiqueJeff]

I stand corrected. Interesting... I thought it was only '03.

My '03 has the buttons in the back as well, but my blower vents are on the side. Sounds like my boat has your ideal combo!