A base for a marine hatch including a planar exterior flange running in a plane substantially parallel with a boat hull or deck, an angular leg running generally transverse to the planar exterior flange, the angular leg terminating in a spigot, wherein the spigot is substantially perpendicular to the exterior planar flange, the spigot is operatively positioned so that the spigot runs substantially parallel to a neutral bending axis, and the neutral bending axis passes through or is directly proximate the spigot, and an elevated sealing bead for engaging with a hatch cover, the planar exterior flange and the angular leg being integral with the elevated sealing bead.