Lewmar hatch removal

Pete G · April 07, 2024, 05:45:04 PM

I'm in the process of removing and replacing the salon hatch. I've removed the screws and have applied heat and razor blades to the caulk, but I can't get it to budge. My boat is an MK1.

Noah · April 07, 2024, 05:55:20 PM

Try a product called Debond Marine Formula Adhesive & Sealant Remover. West Marine carries it. It is expensive but it works. Spray it on and let it sit for 15 min. or so. It should help release the hatch's bond to the deck.

waughoo · April 07, 2024, 09:27:10 PM

This may seem obvious, but on my boat, the hinges are thru-bolted. Thus with all the screws out of the flange on deck, it is still mechanically attached via the thru-bolts at the hinges.

Ed Shankle · April 08, 2024, 03:46:46 AM

Work a stiff putty knife under the flange all around to break the seal. Then pry up a corner enough to get a small tool such as a hammer claw or mini crowbar to work it up. Use a piece of cardboard under the handles of the tools to prevent scratching the gelcoat.
Good luck,
Ed

Ed Shankle · April 08, 2024, 03:50:24 AM

P.S. unrelated, are you a brewer?

Pete G · April 08, 2024, 06:49:44 AM

Quote from: Ed Shankle on April 08, 2024, 03:50:24 AMP.S. unrelated, are you a brewer?

I'm a homebrewer. Glad you got the reference.

Pete G · April 08, 2024, 06:55:36 AM

Quote from: waughoo on April 07, 2024, 09:27:10 PMThis may seem obvious, but on my boat, the hinges are thru-bolted. Thus with all the screws out of the flange on deck, it is still mechanically attached via the thru-bolts at the hinges.

Mine are attached by pins from the hatch to extrusions on the flange.

Ron Hill · April 08, 2024, 02:44:56 PM

Guys : Pete has a Bomar center hatch. I wrote a Mainsheet tech note article on that very topic. I was able to remove the old hatch by using a heat gun.

I installed another Bomar hatch, but I'd recommend that you buy a Lewmar replacement. It has the same corner radiuses and a friction opening rather than an adjusting arm into the hatch lens (dumb place for an adjusting arm to attach!!)

A few thoughts

Pete G · April 26, 2024, 08:36:27 AM

I was able to remove the hatch with heat and a bunch of plastic putty knives. The replacement hatch I got a "deal" on didn't fit - a FB marketplace buy. The replacement is about a half an inch too wide for the "lip" that the current one mounts to. Pragmatically, going to defer the replacement to next off-season. I cleaned up the hatch and deck and rebedded using grey butyl tape. I rebedded one of the dorade vents, as well - they were both leaking.

Massive rain storm since then, and the boat is dry, so calling it a win.