mid cabin - forward hatch replacement?

[BobCT]

Has anyone replaced the forward opening plexiglass hatch?

I'm trying to get my plexiglass replaced but between the hinges and locking mechanism I'm wondering if I should just replace it with a new framed unit with a built in screen etc.

Bob

[RWS]

I'll be watching your progress as mine work and seal just fine, however they have some crazing and coffee colored stains.

I'm always afraid someone will step on one and go through to the cabin !

RWS

[BobCT]

My portlights looked like hell and they were leaking so it was time. They're at Select Plastics in Norwalk CT which is only about 30 mins from my house. I think the guy who had the corner windows made used them as well.

Not cheap ($800) for all three but I know they do good work. The forward hatch is about $350 of that $800 which got me thinking about something entirely new. Looks like a hatch that size is going to be in the $800-$900 range though.

He thinks the fixed portlights have way too many screws holes which are too close to the edge. He said I can re-install them and use temporary #6 screws on each side. Once the adhesive has set, I can remove the screws if I want to and fill with a dab of caulk.

I don't know if it's true on the Express but the hinges are actually screwed into a raised section molded as part of the deck. Each one has a plastic cover which I'm going to try and find.


Bob

[RWS]

Is it plexi or acrylic?

Mine appears to be a simple flat panel with a beveled edge top surface, the bottom is smooth, with threaded holes for the fasteners to attach the hinges, latches and the support.

There are 2 on the express and mine seal perfectly.

They look bad from the top and I am concerned that they may have become brittle.

I have thought about wetsanding them with 320/400 just to see if this might improve them.

Replacing the entire hatch assembly with a nice inside pull shade and insect screen is really nice, but I expect a good quality replacement would run about $1,600 for the two of them.

Comments?

Ideas?

RWS

[BobCT]

the mid cabins only have one of these hatches right behind the anchor locker. It is 1/2" plexi from what I was told yesterday.

Looks like Bob carries the hinges, I emailed him this morning. The hinges mount onto a raised section of the deck (molded at the factory) and covered with a plastic cover which is totally shot on mine.

I replaced the gasket last year so mine don't leak either. I eliminated the latch next to the prop rod because it was always in the way. I used it all year just latching the two front latches and it never leaked so I'm eliminating the two side latches all together.

I did fool around with wetsanding the fixed port lights and I'm sure you can make it look a lot better. Mine are 5 years newer than yours and not in the Fla sun so that helps.

If I didn't have other things I'm trying to get done during the off season, I would probably try and make the hatch myself. As you noticed, there's really not much to it.

Bob

[tsawyer]

Mine aren't leaking but don't look to good either.

I've not opened the front one. I'm afraid opening it would open a bigger can of worms.

No reason to open it when it's so hot, just turn on the AC.

Maybe I'll try it this winter. Maybe not.

Let us know how it goes. Sooner or later I'm sure it will need to be done on mine.

[RWS]

Please keep us up to date on your project.

I'll probably end up doing the same thing.

Looks like simply drill & tap the threads for the fasteners?

I do think I will certainly keep the 4 latches.

RWS