Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: crieders on May 06, 2025, 07:46:46 AM

Title: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: crieders on May 06, 2025, 07:46:46 AM
I have a new one to replace the old leaky hatch. previously someone posted a good description on how that should be done. Would appreciate that again, since I have misplaced it. Thanks
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: Ron Hill on May 06, 2025, 03:05:31 PM
Cliff : I wrote an extensive Mainsheet tech note article on how to replace that center hatch with an identical Bomar.

Later I recommended that owners replace it with a lewmar rather than a Bomar (because of the hatch adjusting arm is NOT attached to the lens !!!)
That lens open/close/adjustment attachment pressure tends to eventually crack the lens!!

A thought
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: Noah on May 06, 2025, 03:21:32 PM
I believe Ron means the hatch opening/support arm is not attached to the lens in the Lewmar. However, I have the Bomar and have not had any issues with it (yet).
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: crieders on May 07, 2025, 09:16:26 AM
for good or bad, I already bought the Bomar
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: crieders on May 07, 2025, 09:17:13 AM
PS what year was that article? thanks again
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: crieders on May 07, 2025, 09:31:16 AM
not in tech wiki and under tech notes, says not there, renamed...so bottom line, could not find it
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: Stu Jackson on May 07, 2025, 04:38:28 PM
Cliff, I, too, wrote a Tech Note, on rebedding my Bomar, same issues though.  Early 2010s.  The TNOs are out of service temporarily, perhaps you can find it, even includes pictures.  Use BedItwithButyl.
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: waughoo on May 07, 2025, 08:19:43 PM
A quick note on Stu's commemt to use butyl...

I replaced my forward trapezoid hatch which is screwed down, not thru-bolted.  As I tightened up the screws, they stripped out of the glass before I got enough compression on the butyl to seal.  I had to remove it, fill the screw holes and re-bed it with something else (forgot what I used - likely sika or boat life caulk).

I default to butyl for nearly everything, but wanted to throw this experience out there as a data point.  It is my favorite bedding compound when I have great clamping force available.  When I am unsure of that, I opt for something more pliable.
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: KWKloeber on May 09, 2025, 07:19:39 PM
Quote from: waughoo on May 07, 2025, 08:19:43 PMI default to butyl for nearly everything, but wanted to throw this experience out there as a data point.  It is my favorite bedding compound when I have great clamping force available.  When I am unsure of that, I opt for something more pliable.

My experience and another data point is that with tapping screws (not machine screws) I can use butyl when the weather hot and snug it down in stages a titch at a time, letting the butyl compress over time rather than putting as much stress on the screw bite as I would if using a through-fastener. 
Title: Re: Center Hatch Replacement
Post by: Ron Hill on May 28, 2025, 02:56:05 PM
Guys : FYI, I used 3M 4200 instead of butyl rubber and had great success bedding in new hatches!!

A thought