More air to I/O??

[winter]

I just bought a 20' Checkmate Persuader with a 350 and through-hull exhaust. The upholstery on the engine cover is not all that great, but still presentable. However, the hatch is HEAVY, especially when wet. It got me thinking... I could probably drop about 100 pounds off the boat with a lighter hatch cover w/o upholstery. Furthermore, should i give the engine more air? There are the two traditional air strakes on both sides, one for intake, the other for exhaust. If I build a new hatch cover, first of all, what would i make it out of that has some rigidity to it and can stand the weight of a person, and second, is it rec. to add a low line scoop to the top? Facing front i imagine it will make the cockpit noisier, but if i face it backwards then make sure both side strakes are scooping air from the front, would that be advisable? Thanks for your advice!

[bigbore]

Could lean it out n ping it.:cool:

[winter]

Could lean it out n ping it.:cool:

You think? :confused: I'm not looking to ram air into the engine compt, just add a little extra ventilation.

[pyro]

There's no deficiency of airflow or atmospheric pressure under that hatch.

[winter]

There's no deficiency of airflow or atmospheric pressure under that hatch.

Interesting. Ok, i can ditch the scoop idea, but what do you suggest for re-doing the hatch lid itself. Certainly some loss of weight can be beneficial! :D

[Capt.Insane-o]

Less weight is good, especially being a 92 it's probably rotten anyway and just waiting to smash your mellon when the hinges pull out. Scoops usually get broken by someone wanting to sit/lay back there

[winter]

Less weight is good, especially being a 92 it's probably rotten anyway and just waiting to smash your mellon when the hinges pull out. Scoops usually get broken by someone wanting to sit/lay back there

The good news is the boat only has 330 fresh water hours and was always garaged. I don't beleive there is a single stress crack anywhere, and certainly no soft spots. Thanks all!