On the long list of preparations for cruising the Channel Islands and Hawaii from San Francisco is the installation of a life raft. I'm not really fond of hanging it off the stern pulpit. The next logical spot is amidships on the sea hood (aka "the turtle shell", as I call it). Below is a photo...
The Ericson sea hood covers the hatch over the companionway when the hatch is open. Such a hood is the easiest way to prevent water from entering the forward end of a sliding hatch, and to protect it from feet, lines and other abuse when open.
The hood is made of plywood sandwiched between...