Poll: Best vDrive Hatch Design

Seems like there are four major categories here with a few that are way off in left field. The most common seem to be:

1. One big cover that opens towards the back of the boat.


2. Gull wings that open to the outside of the boat and a center cover that opens to the back of the boat.


3. Gull wings that open to the center of the boat and a center hatch that opens to the back.


4. Two piece hatch that opens to the outside of the boat.


What are the pros and cons of each with ease of use in mind.

From a function and safety standpoint, I like a separate hatch for the engine bay. Nobody need to be in there but me. Even with a cover, something or someone could end up in there on accident.

That being said, I like the gull wings that open to the center so I can access the storage even with the boat on the trailer.

Pic #1 Why would you want to open that big cover just to get to one side compartment?

Pic #2 is the style I prefer.

Pic #3 is OK but would seem easier to drop some thing in the water. I just don't care for it.

Pic #4 big door again. I don't need to see half the motor when I reach for my gear.

Those are just my thoughts

I agree with tigemike. I have style 3 on my MB, and it is nice for working on the engine, and getting things out while on the trailer. The one down side is that they are hard to open for some people because you need to reach out to the edge of the boat while in the back seat. They are easy to open if you are on the sun deck already.

It doesnt hurt to take a look at the engine compartment from time to time.

I prefer #3 then #2. I also dont want anyone but me in the engine compartment. I have #3 setup on my boat and my two closest friends have #2. I like the ability to load.unload when on the trailer without having to get in the boat.

I prefer #2 When Malibu went to the 2 hatches instead 3 I was disappointed. I love how they put it out like it is better but really it is just cheaper for them to build.

I would agree that #2 is the one I prefer, but I also don't think the new bu hatches are as bad though. I believe that there is something covering the engine and it is a tray of some sort. So in that case the engine is still seperated.

#2 ALL THE WAY.

#1 is braindead. CC was last to leave it.
#3 is OK but bad for a) working on the engine and b) for rider seated access.
#4 is half braindead. BU should be spanked for it.

(Message edited by greatdane on January 06, 2008)

I like the rear hatches on the MB Tomcat myself.

I agree with Ben. I don't like Malibu's new two-hatch design as much as the old three-hatch design. I can no longer have my kids grab stuff out of the rear compartments for me because those doors are too heavy for them. They're also harder to open when the boat is on the trailer.

#5...Do not care. Hatches do not make or break the deal.

I would like the combination of the following:

WakeCraft - The way the whole rear hatch opens for servicing.

Svfara SV3 - The walk through and step down through the middle. Needs a removeable cushion for those that want to use the rear sunpad for relaxing on.

Those are not boats. They look more like transformers.

Hehateme nailed it.

Hehateme... Take a look at the CC 230/236. Personally I think it's a great design!

Otherwise the normal 3 piece hatch is the best. #2!

Coming from someone who does their own maintenance, Wakecraft's setup kicks a$$! I would love to have that kind of access to my motor. I also think the center walk through is a no brainer.

My Correct Craft has an engine? I've never seen it...

#2 or #3 are good. #2 easier access on lake dont have to lay on edge of boat to get in hatch. I have style #3 does make it easy to load the boat while on trailer. I wonder if any one tried making all three open to the rear like the engine door this would make good access from boat and while on trailer.

Malibu's 2 piece hatch is so you can quick access the above engine heater tray easliy.
You don't need to open a trunk, then open the engine hatch.

Above engine heat tray FTW!!!

By far I like the style of #3 and even better the Wakecraft (Some of the Wakecraft owners have opted for an unupholstered center panel that acts like a walk through). Also its easier to move weight around when the entire hatch is up. Just my .02

I am gonna go with Shawn on this one...I have a bu and I am not a big fan of how they open. I like the MB Tomcat that opens with a switch and has a center bay with doors on the side.

I don't understand the appeal of any kind of walk through. Not only does it reduce storage space, but the last thing I want somebody doing on my boat is walking upright with wet feet across any kind of surface other than the carpeted floor. I would think that eventually, somebody's going to fall and either hurt themselves or drop a board on the gelcoat.

I would also argue that when you're standing on the swimstep, it's much easier to crawl across a sunpad than it is to climb up to a standing position on top of the sunpad walk-through. This is alleviated by some of the drop down walk-throughs, but now you're wasting even more storage space.

Don't even get me started on having to store an extra cushion somewhere to fill in the gap so that you can lie down flat on the sunpad.

Dave my thoughts too. Thats why mine is upholstered. My feelings are that carpet is the only "non slip" material on the boat.

Well I myself... have never really had anyone wanting to lie across the sunpad... but there a lot of familys that just lounge out on the lake. As for the walk through.. I would love it... first day on my boat.. two fin cuts on the vinyl... people still walk across the sunpad... dont know many guys that enjoy spending time on their knees... forget the crawling!

The walk throughs on most boats have non-skid material.

The walk through on both the Svfara SV3 and Tige 22i Type R... are down the middle.. so no storage space is taken up...

As for hard core riding boats...

I see most hard core riders... walking across the sun pad... as for storage... they are filled with fat sacks....

So I am still a big fan of the Svfara in combination with the engine area opening completely like the WakeCraft.

For those guys out there that enjoy spending time on your knees...

Maybe upgrade to extra thick TempurPedic Memory Foam sunpads... with anti bacterial fabric!

To each their own... crawling aint for me!