Freeman Marine Deck Hatches – Compression Seal (2400 Series)

Technical Guide: Advantages of Freeman Compression Hatches

Freeman compression sealing is designed for working environments where decks must be easy to clean and maintain. Rather than relying on perimeter drainage troughs, compression hatches feature a raised solid sealing spigot that mates firmly against the cover's recessed neoprene gasket.

Key Operational & Engineering Advantages:

• Heavy-Duty Hinges with >180° Opening Angle: On all hinged models (such as the 18-H, 20-H, 24-H, and 1524-H), the engineered marine hinge allows the cover to open beyond 180 degrees, resting flat and securely against the deck when fully open. This eliminates the danger of gusting winds or heavy seas slamming the hatch shut, relieves mechanical strain on the hinge pins, and guarantees completely unobstructed passage for the crew.
• Smooth Deck Ring Without Debris Traps: Without a perimeter gutter, sand, salt crusts, fish debris, or deck ice cannot accumulate around the sealing edge. Decks wash down rapidly with washdown hoses.
• Zero Drain Plumbing Required: The coaming requires no drainage tubing routed to bilges or topside overboard discharges, simplifying installation during newbuilds and refits.
• Extended Gasket Service Life: Clamping load is distributed uniformly across the broad gasket face, preventing cutting or permanent deformation under severe structural flexing.
• Corrosion-Resistant Metallurgy: Covers are precision cast in premium Almag-35 marine aluminum, paired with stainless steel dogging arms, center spindles, and fasteners.

Coaming Options (Deck Rings)

All round and oval compression hatches can be specified directly via the dropdown menu on each product page:

• Aluminium Ring (Weld-in or Bolt-in): For welding into aluminum decks or bolt-through installation on composite, fiberglass (GRP), or timber decks.
• Steel Ring (Weld-in): For direct welding into commercial steel hulls, tugs, and trawler decks.
• Stainless Steel Ring: For specialized applications demanding absolute corrosion resistance.
• Cover Plate Assembly Only: Complete replacement cover with pre-installed dogging mechanism and gasket for existing Freeman coamings.