How do I Replace the Lens in My Bomar Hatch?
Original Message:
My 1988 uses a Bomar Hatch in the main salon. The acrylic lens
has become detached from the Aluminum frame. I have tried to re glue
it many times with a black RTV silicon, but it still leaks. I don't
like to see any water in the bilge. A good bilge is home for
spiders. Question, has anyone tried to replace the hatch cover by
removing the screws and buying a new frame and an acrylic lens glued
to the frame by the Bamar factory. The two lock downs and the hold
up support will also have to be dealt with. Is this all worth it or
should buy a complete new hatch assembly and the teak molding will
have to be reworked. Buy the way, I looked in the Tech notes and the
FAQ and could only find related hatch problems. I did talk to Bomar
and they use a RTV called GE Ultra Glaze, but it is machine done and
it comes out nice and smooth. I'm not very good a squeezing out RTV
and having it look decent
Dave Davis...Wind Dragon...707...San Francisco, davis_707@yahoo.com
Subj: Re: [C34] Replace hatch
Dave, I have replaced the lens myself and it is very easy. Take
a knife and cut/remove the blade caulking that holds the lens in
place between the frame of the hatch and the plastic lens. Then take
a (flexible) putty knife and slide it under the Plexiglas lens.
Using both hands, drag the blade under the lens and continue around
until you end up where you started. Then go below and place the
putty knife between the Plexiglas and the center support bar and
separate the caulking from the Plexiglas. The window lens should
come out. Clean it up and take it to a boat plastics shop and have a
duplicate made.
Clean up the frame. When the new glass is ready make sure you leave
the protective cover on the Plexiglas. Place it into the hatch and
mark the center support bar on the protective coating. Using a razor
blade cut and remove that strip of protective coating. Buy a large
tube of black caulking and caulk the frame. Mask the metal hatch to
prevent caulk from getting onto the metal. Do not worry about
putting too much caulk on, more is better than not enough. Insert
the plastic lens into the hatch and the excess will ooze up. Make
sure the interior is protected from the caulking that will fall from
under the lens and frame. Also mask the interior frame.
Now here is the real trick. Don't touch it for a week. Do not try to
wipe the caulking flat. Let it dry hard then cut the excess caulking
off with a razor blade. Now remove the protective coating and you
will have a professional installation.
My hatch is leaking and I plan on pulling the entire hatch after the
holidays to re-caulk. Unfortunately I am doing this in preparation
to sell the boat which I have owned for 13 years. If you decide to
remove the hatch let me know I will have accomplished that by mid
January.
Richard Dwyer, Rebellious #328, RPDIII@aol.com
Subj: Re: [C34] Replace hatch
Thanks Richard, you have given me lots of good information that I
will need to make up my mind. Selling your boat? Where are you
located? That's one small problem with some Email, I'm not sure the
location of skippers and sometimes the questions and answers make
more sense when you relate them to a sailing areas.
Dave Davis...Wind Dragon...707...San Francisco, davis_707@yahoo.com
Important: The opinions expressed here are
those of the individual contributors to this page, and not those of
the Catalina 34 National Association or Catalina Yachts, Inc.
Additionally, this material has not been reviewed by Catalina
Yachts, Inc. for technical accuracy. This page's maintainer cannot
guarantee the accuracy of this information or the desirability of
suggested modifications or upgrades. Please obtain assistance from a
competent marine mechanic or boatyard prior to making any
significant modifications to your vessel. |
