Lewmar center hatch

[Alansails]

Since this is about the end of our season up north, it is always exciting when you go to the boat and what worked last trip decides NOT to work NOW.
Our Lewmar center hatch over the table area has decided NOT to stay open and the only way it will is when we put a coozie in to hold it up!!
Any suggestions as how to fix it, and what broke? and of course where to get parts>
Thanks for any help

 

[FastOlson]

Probably a Lewmar hatch built since the early 90's, and the hinge friction/resistance is controlled by turning an alan head screw on each side of the "elbow". It's not difficult once you locate it. Just do not "stiffen" the pivot action any more than the minimum needed to hold the hatch lens up.... or the force to lift and lower it can (after a while) break out the pop rivets that hold that hinge to the frame.

 

[jviss]

You know, Lewmar has a pretty good website, and online store, and has manuals, and sells parts for nearly all of their stuff. What model hatch is it, like, low profile, medium profile, Ocean, etc.?

 

[Dave Groshong]

What year is the boat? That will determine which friction hinge you may need.

 

[valcour]

This how to adjust the hatch on 2003 C310 hull #218.

 

[Alansails]

Thanks guys that's great, Next time We go to the 2001 boat, I will give it a try .

 

[jviss]

...do not "stiffen" the pivot action any more than the minimum needed to hold the hatch lens up.... or the force to lift and lower it can (after a while) break out the pop rivets that hold that hinge to the frame.

Ha! Returned to my boat for the season after launching by the yard and found the aluminum rivets broken clean off! Fortunate that the hatch from wasn't bent and the friction device isn't broken, and can be adjusted. Will be a cinch to re-rivet with aluminum pop rivets.