Reader tip of the weekInsulation for the hatch

Reader tip of the week: Insulation for the hatchPhoto: YACHT/Jochen Peschke
Blanks of thin insulating material can be clamped in the hatch to keep heat and cold outside
A simple way to upgrade the front hatch and keep either heat or cold outside. All you need is a pair of scissors and special insulating material

In summer, the sun's rays heat up the boat, especially through the hatches. And in spring and autumn, when it is cold outside, condensation collects on the single glazing. Both can be minimised with special insulation. However, the material should not be too expensive and should also be easy to work with.

Whilst looking for the right material, we came across insulation material in the DIY store that is designed to be stuck behind radiators in the home. The panels are made of polystyrene and are designed to minimise heat loss through the wall and reflect heat radiation into the interior of the house thanks to the aluminium coating on one side. The panels can be cut to size with a knife or scissors, and we have left some areas slightly protruding so that the material can be easily wedged into the hatch frame. The insulation is so rigid that it holds by itself. In summer, the aluminium side of the panel is on the outside; when it's cold, it's on the inside. When not in use, we place it under the bunk cushion. The plate costs between 5 and 10 euros.

Henning Dechow, Wedel


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