[C320-list] Lewmar hatch removal

[Monkey Mail]

Wish I had thought of that. My escape hatch is in "like new" condition and I just re-bed my three deck hatches. Removal of the hatches was simple. Each hatch was bedded with Beutel rather than the typical insidious 5200. This was easy enough to clean up and remove. I bedded the hatches with hatch tape, as recommended by both Lewmar and Bomar. 
While I had the hatches off I decided to complicate the simple task by improving the openings. I was disappointed to see that Catalina simply cut holes in the deck and screwed in the hatches. I removed about 1.5" deep of the balsa core around each hatch and refilled with thickened epoxy. Should the hatch ever leak, thru the screws or the seal, no core will be exposed to moisture. A bit of overkill for a coastal cruiser but I like it that way. If you've ever seen a delaminated deck you may want to consider this extra step.

Lou Hodac
Blue Moon
#702 (2000)

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 17, 2012, at 5:58 PM, "Michael E. Mitch" <michael.eastwind at gmail.com> wrote:

> Ditto Jeff.  Years have not effected your gary matter.
> 
> On Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 9:17 PM, Jeff Hare <catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
> 
>> While I don't specifically remember how to remove the hatch cover, here's
>> a option you may haven't considered.
>> 
>> The aft cabin escape hatch is identical to the center main cabin hatch.
>> Our main cabin hatch was quite crazed after 7 or 8 years.  Just swap the
>> two to have an almost new looking main hatch.  Then when that one finally
>> needs replacing have them do both at the same time.
>> 
>> Just a thought.
>> Jeff Hare.
>> 
>> Rod Boer <rod.boer1 at verizon.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> I am planning to send the Lewmar hatch that is over the main cabin on
>>> hull
>>> #688, C320 year 2000 to Select Plastics to be renewed.  It isn't
>>> immediately
>>> obvious how to remove the hatch from the frame.  I am guessing that
>>> there
>>> may be two spring loaded pins in the hinge but since someone else has
>>> probably already done this it would be helpful to know before I visit
>>> the
>>> boat the next time to accomplish the task.  Has anyone removed a hatch
>>> on a
>>> similar hull number?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Rod Boer
>>> 
>>> #688, Odyssey
> 
> 
> 
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