Building Composite Hatches with 3D Printed Molds (Full Process)

This video shows the complete process of building our composite hatches, from the 3D printed custom molds to the final lamination. We demonstrate how we created two separate 3D printed molds—one for the hatch lid and one for the gutter/frame—and walk through the entire build sequence: mold preparation, gel coating, fiberglass lamination, and post-processing. This method provides a practical solution for creating strong, complex composite parts with precise geometry without expensive tooling. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction: Hatch Lid & Frame Molds 1:30 Designing & Printing the Modular Molds 4:15 Mold Prep: Wax, Plasticine, and Sealing 8:05 Applying Gel Coat as a Primer Layer 11:20 Fiberglass Lamination Setup 14:50 Demolding the Hatch Lid and Frame 18:25 Post-Processing & Trimming the Parts 22:00 Dry-Fit Assembly & Next Steps SAFETY DISCLAIMER: PROFESSIONAL WORK This video documents professional marine work with significant risk of injury or vessel damage. This is NOT DIY instruction. You are solely responsible for your own safety and actions. We are not liable for any application of this information. Full Disclaimer: https://youngbarnacles.com/website-disclaimer/ USEFUL LINKS ➜ Supporting blog post https://youngbarnacles.com/composite-hatch-build/ ➜ Want to go deeper? Access our detailed composites videos, project files, and community on the Youngbarnacles Members Hub: https://youngbarnacles.com/plans/all-access-memberships/ ➜ Need world-class engineering for your project? Learn more about our professional design and consultancy services at SYAS Performance: https://syasperformance.weebly.com/ ➜ Free Sailing Library: Check out our free guides on composites, systems, and seamanship: https://www.youngbarnacles.com/resources MUSIC YouTube Audio Library ➜ https://www.youtube.com/