New Forward Hatch

robert watters · Post by **robert watters** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:33 pm

The winds from Hurricane Katrina lifted the lexan out from the forward Bomar hatch. This the the second time I've re-caulked the lexan so I figured, since the dogs on the hatch didn't close it all that well, that I'd replace the hatch. Took it off this afternoon and measured it; exactly 24 by 24 internal cutout. Just found a new bomar with identical measurments, turns out this is a cast aluminum hatch; price for a new one from shipstore $1161! Found a service called Hammerhead Nautical that says they replace lexan and refrbish, Has anybody dealt with them? (Refurbishing is looking attractive)

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 12:37 am

I've never heard of them but it doesn't sound like a bad idea Robert. I will probably tackle that project next year. Most of the original paint has flaked off and the lexan or plexi has gone pretty flat. Now that I think about it, it probably is lexan because it won't polish up.

Chris Anderson · Post by **Chris Anderson** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:36 am

I called Bomar and they said they would do a repurbish if I sent them the hatch...no price yet. Repowdercoat, new lexan, new springs.

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:46 am

I just keep sealing it back up. I did have a cover made for it last year to keep the water off it. Seems it just made a puddle on top, and if the calking was drying up, it would leak into the v-berth. No problems lately. Gene Dugan

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:33 am

I replaced a cracked Bomar hatch on another boat a few years back. Ordered the glass (actually I think it was Lexan) and the special caulking they recommend. It worked great until about two years passed when the caulking started to get eaten up by the sun. It's been maybe four years now, and although the caulking is soft in some places it doesn't leak. It's not a hard job though and if you do it yourself you won't have an open hatch for any longer than you want to. I'm not sure if they can do a better job with the caulking themselves or not. If I had taken the extra step to paint the caulk line it probably would have stayed stiff. Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com

robert watters · Post by **robert watters** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:05 pm

I like the idea of calling Bomar, turns out the place I found on the web is in Canada. Nothing against north of the border, but wonder if there would be customs foolishness on a foreign repair. I replaced the caulk last year but was not pleased with the job I did and have to believe they could do better.

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:31 pm

You guys should have an old Bert. They made their own hatches & mounted them on a molded in curb. Instead of lexan, they just used the same green tinted glass. Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

robert watters · Post by **robert watters** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:15 am

damn I thought I had an old Bert! Chris, I called Bomar and was told that they don't re-furbish hatches; do you have a name or a number that you called?

Chris Anderson · Post by **Chris Anderson** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 4:06 am

I wish I had gotten a card from the guy... sorry. He was a Bomar rep in the Bomar Booth at the last Miami Boatshow that told me they would do the refurbish.

robert watters · Post by **robert watters** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:50 pm

I phoned the Canadian company - they want $368 to put in new lexan and gaskets. It's better than the $1161 to replace the cast aluminum hatch. I went to the boat today to take exact measurements of the opening to see if a less expensive Lewmar would fit. Clearly I used the wrong sealant when I recaulked it last time as the stuff turned a nasty brown after seven months. it was the sealant from West Marine (white) specified for outdoor sealing. Does anybody have any suggestions as to the correct sealant to use?

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:47 pm

Bob, I bookmarked this site a few years ago when someone reccommended it. They refurb Lewmar hatches, so maybe Bomar also. Or can suggest who to call. http://www.selectplastics.com/ Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF