[C320-list] Re-sealing Hatch Lens in Foredeck Hatch

[mark]

The lens in my foredeck hatch has come loose from the frame; it will lift
out of the frame if I push up on it.  I need to re-seal the lens into the
frame.  It looks to me like the steps to fix should be:

 

1.       Detach the hatch dogs and the arms to hold the hatch open from the
lens.

2.       Remove the lens from the frame.

3.       Clean the old sealant off the lens and out of the frame.

4.       Mask the frame and the edge of the hatch lens with painter's tape.

5.       Lay a bead of new sealant into the frame.

6.       Set the lens into the frame, on top of the bead of sealant, and
centered so that there is the same amount of space between the lens and the
frame on all sides.

7.       Fill the gap between the lens and the frame with additional
sealant, and smooth the bead between the tape on the frame and the tape on
the edge of the lens.    (I've seen conflicting opinions about whether I
have to let the initial bead cure before I fill in the gap around the sides
of the lens.  Because I'm trying to do this with the hatch in place, I'd
rather not have to wait for it to cure.)

8.       Remove the tape while the sealant is still soft.

9.       Reinstall the dogs, etc., after the sealant fully cures.

 

I'm sure it won't be as easy as it sounds.  Any advice before I tackle this?

 

Mark Seyler

S/V Reality,

Catalina 320, #232

New Orleans, LA