Hi. I have 1969 Balboa 20. Hatch blew alway years ago. Had temporary solution but like to fine original replacement. Anybody got ideas how I can find?
Balboa 20
- Thread starter JTP
- Start date
So like the one in this picture?
You will not find one to match the color of your gel coat. You may be able to make a close replica. You can likely find a Lewmar, or Bomar hatch to fit from an online source. The size is not unusual. You would need to measure fit and then install.
Check out http://boatworkstoday.com/ The guy did some hatch repairs in one of his videos and I seem to recall he built one out of fiberglass by creating a mold then laying up the glass. Then he shaped it to finish and gel coated the hatch to closely match the existing one on the boat he was refitting.
You will not find one to match the color of your gel coat. You may be able to make a close replica. You can likely find a Lewmar, or Bomar hatch to fit from an online source. The size is not unusual. You would need to measure fit and then install.
Check out http://boatworkstoday.com/ The guy did some hatch repairs in one of his videos and I seem to recall he built one out of fiberglass by creating a mold then laying up the glass. Then he shaped it to finish and gel coated the hatch to closely match the existing one on the boat he was refitting.
Yes! The hatch on the blue Balboa is exactly what I need. Is that boat in use? Thanks for your input!
JT. I found the image on the internet. I was trying to help you identify the issue you are having.
That hatch looks like one made by the manufacturer. Was a common thing during the year your boat was built. The builder had all the materials to make a fiberglass hatch and so did.
You can repeat the process or you can upgrade and put in a modern designed Lewmar. They cost bucks not your time. They are a significant upgrade.
Or you can choose to go old school and build yourself a wood framed hatch to fit the hole and put say plexiglass over the top to give you a skylight in the boat.
That hatch looks like one made by the manufacturer. Was a common thing during the year your boat was built. The builder had all the materials to make a fiberglass hatch and so did.
You can repeat the process or you can upgrade and put in a modern designed Lewmar. They cost bucks not your time. They are a significant upgrade.
Or you can choose to go old school and build yourself a wood framed hatch to fit the hole and put say plexiglass over the top to give you a skylight in the boat.
Yes I had made a wooden hatch for it but that split over time and eventually blew off as well. Of course I am trying to do this on the cheap. Got some neighbors who had some good suggestions on making one. Winter project maybe?
Definitely. Nothing wrong with a nice wooden one for your boat. I have a wooden one on my boat and it serves well for the inland waters I am cruising in the Puget Sound. But I am considering going off shore. So I have been looking seriously at the Lewmar hatch as a replacement. They will secure the bow of my boat from breaking waves that would try to sink her. On a day-sailor like yours I would either make a mold and do my own fiberglass hatch or go with wood. You can make a nice secure wood hatch when varnished would look great on your boat.
