Rollstop hinges

[Chris]

The forward hatch on our '89 Catalina has no mechanism to hold it open.  It is a Lewmar hatch with a smoked acrylic window.  The hinges look like regular hinges, rather than the rollstop hinges that you can get the replacement kit for. We have looked at different types of gadgets to hold it open and have looked at the rollstop hinge kit, but nothing we see looks like it would fit with our hatch.  It seems odd that the boat would have been made without some brace - the salon port has a telescoping brace that tightens at the desired opening, but it is a different design hatch than the forward one.  What does anyone with our vintage boat have?  For 2 seasons we have propped open the hatch with a "Wet Ones" container.  We may just have to get a new one this year in a different decorator color...
Thanks!
Chris
ChriSea #832

[saltydog]

Chris
In Jan 2002 bought a hinge kit for Lewmar Rollstop trapezoidal hatch size 65 part # 19782400 @ $39.30 from pete@rigginghydraulics.com (Peter Linwick; 1-800-718-1649). 1 kit per hatch containing all parts to rebuild rollstop hinges. Worked great - rollstop hinges now work as designed.

Jeff

[jim flynn]

Chris
Lewmar makes a rebuilt kit for the rollstop hinges that were used in early production Catalina 34's.  If you call Lewmar, they'll tell you which model was installed on your boat and send you a rebuild kit.  The rollstop hinge doesn't look any different than a normal hinge to the "untrained" eye - and after you install the rebuild components you will have a "trained" eye.  We had the exact same problem you are having and the rebuild kit did the trick.  The rollstop hinge allows the hatch to remain open at various degrees through the use of slightly ridged parts which are integral components of the hinge pin assembly.  It should cost you less than $50 for the parts and the installation is simple.  Our hatch works flawlessly now and we didn't have to resort to those sliding adjustable arm hatch supports that will get in the way of passing sails, etc in or out of the forward hatch. Buy the kit you'll like the result. Good luck
Jim Flynn

 Jim Flynn, #812
"Anam Chairde" '88

[saltydog]

Chris
Meant to mention that you must disassemble hinges to see the parts to be replaced in kit
Jeff

[Chris]

Thanks to all for your info.  I was able to get up to the boat this weekend (unfortunately, a 2-hour drive)and check the hinges more closely, and yes, they must be rollstop hinges!  I'll be ordering the kit!