1976 Hunter Forward Hatch

[Bob]

Has anyone replaced a forward hatch on a 1976 Hunter 30. I looked through the pompanette site, and I can't find anything that even looks close. If someone has replaced one, without a lot of modifications I would love to know the manufacturer and model number. The 1976 has a raised edge around the opening, which I am guessing would have to be ground off to put a new one on, unless there is an original replacement or after market one available.

 

[duality]

did it>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

just like you said, had to ground off the lip and use west systems. there is a whole photo story on it in the archives. but look under 27 foot. it will tell you the hatch model # and is very informative. good luck, youll like the operating bomar hatch better than what you re replacingmike

 

[Royce]

Made one

Bob,I made one from 1/2" pexiglass. I pieced together the remains of the old hatch, made a mold of it, heated the piece of pexiglass up to approx. 150 deg. and pushed it into the mold. It has held up for 10 years now, I can stand on it, jump on it, (I'm 205#) the pole fell on it, and it has held up great. I used pexiglass (acrylic) because it holds up to the sun MUCH better than lexan. Cost for the acrylic was about $50.Good luck with yours,Royce

 

[Bill G]

Royce

What did you make the mold of and how did you get the hot plexiglass to make a good fit or impression in the mold? I have thought about doing that myself but the task seems problematic.Bill

 

[Royce]

Mold

I made a box with lumber, filled it with a cement mix, pushed the old patched up hatch upside down into it. Then, did some filling in and got the mold shape like I wanted it and lined it with felt. Heating the piece of pexiglass was the challenge. I had access to a industrial oven that I could use to heat the pexiglass up. It comes out like a piece of rubber and I just pushed it into the mold and let cool. I then trimmed the new hatch and used foam sticky back weatherstrip on the hatch to form a seal around the raised part of the opening. I used the original hinges, but with oversize holes and rubber gromets. They make a special drill bit for drilling pexiglass. You can make your own by modifying a regular drill bit for 0deg. rake. It's been on the boat now for 10 years - no problems.Good luck,Royce