replacement hatch cover

[Terry Forshier]

the hatch cover in the top center of the boat (under the vang) was cracked and today my wife finished it off. Is there a standartd replacement I can order and just switch out? Terry

[Craig Illman]

I ordered a replacement lens and sealant from Bomar. You can reuse the dogs, if they're not cracked or otherwise broken. There is an o-ring on the "mushroom" cap. You might want to replace it, but should be able to find something at an auto-parts store. The lens was around $90, sealant about $20 for a cartridge. The most tedious part was removing all the old sealant. I took the whole hatch off the boat home to replace the lens, then rebedded the hatch after the sealant had cured. No more leaking!

This all assumes you have the Bomar hatch. The model number for the Bomar is up on the inside of the hinge, as I recall.

- Craig

[Ron Hill]

Sails : As I recall you have a 1988, and if so you do have a Bomar center overhead hatch.  Give them a call at (603) 826-5791.  I believe your hatch lens is 16 1/2" by 16 1/2" . 
When you ask a question always identify your production year and hull#, contrary to popular belief, Catalina 34s have changed over the years. 

[Mike Vaccaro]

The hatch is a standard size, low-profile type.  Bomar has a website as well.  A search of this forum for "bomar" and "hatch" will generate lots of good information, including factory overstock that may allow you to buy a new hatch assembly for less than the price of the lens.  It will also detail steps for changing the lens and changing the entire hatch.

Best of Luck,

Mike

[Terry Forshier]

I have looked all over the hatch and can find no number. Anyone ideas? I need to order one and hope I can get a overstock like some others. Pretty pricey. Terry
Bakaluka
1988 #570

[Ron Hill]

Mike : Somewhere around 1992/93 Catalina put in a different Bomar hatch!!  Lens the same size?? - I don't know??, but it's definitely a different hatch with a different hinge system.

The other thing that happens at the factory is that if they're out of a standard item they'll substitute something else to keep the production line moving!!  I've run into this with many items small as water pumps & packing glands to large items like Yanmar engines.  I've learned to NEVER say never on "standard" C34 items!!   

[Jim Price]

Mike, when I was at Annapolis show this past fall, I talked with folks from "Select Plastics" that do replacement lens on hatches.  What I saw looked pretty good but I have no experience with them so can't recommend, just giving you another source. 

Don't know their pricing, was talking with them specifically about Lewmar at the time so again not sure of thier full line.

You can give them a call - 203 866-3767 or  www.selectplactics.com 

[Ed Shankle]

I'd vouch for Select Plastics. I had them do my forward Lewmar hatch last year. They did a great job, with decent turnaround time, given that it was spring commissioning time. The other thing to be aware of if you are considering replacing the entire hatch instead, is the hole alignment. That is just additional work that only replacing the lens avoids.

Ed

[Rick Johnson]

Ed - what kind of damage ($$$) are we talking about for replacing the lens on the v-berth hatch?  Mine is crazed and the PO had put on peel-off letters saying "Be Right Back", the words are now part of the acrylic.  I'd really like to replace it!

[Mike Vaccaro]

Ron:  By "standard" only meant a stock size vs. custom made.  Understand Catalina's propensity for using whatever works...

The first step is to determine the manufacturer of the hatch (likely Bomar--but hatch could have been replaced over the years or another brand substituted in a pinch at the factory), the second step is to measure the hatch, and then call the manufacturer.  Likely that if a factory "overstock" part is not available (they may be "scratch and dent" items or extra production simply lying around), then the lens replacement is going to be the way to go.  Odds are greater that an overstock for the coachroof hatch is available since it is square, not a trapezoid.  For a new lens options run from purchasing one from the original manufacturer to local manufacture. 

A search of "hatch" "replacement" and "lens" will turn up good threads of discussion on this board.

Best of Luck,

Mike

[Ed Shankle]

Rick,
I think it was @ $400. The cost of a new one was @ $650, and as I mentioned, hole allignment is an issue with a new one. They also inspected the dogs and can replace if needed (mine were ok). You ship it to them, they inspect and give you a price, then they ship it back when complete.

Ed

[Terry Forshier]

new hatch cover arrived from BOMAR. Cost 117.00 as overstock. Prioce on the web was $600+ I checked when it came  looks like an exact match for the old one. BOMAR NUMBER  N-1070-10 A  fit 188 Hull #570
they said they had a few more in stock