Bomar Forward Hatch

[StanleyJ]

I have a 1988 O'Day 272LE. I am planning to replace the forward hatch. Have any of you used the Bomar model 900 hatch as a replacement. The Bomar # 966-111 dimensions seem to match (I know that the screw holes will not match).

Thanks!

 

[agprice22]

Hmmm... I Am surprised there is no direct replacement by Bomar. Why are you replacing it?
You can replace the plexi easily. You can replace the seal.

 

[StanleyJ]

I am interested in replacing the hatch because it is a poor quality hatch (I believe that it is a Forespar product). The existing hatch needs new plexiglass, a new gasket, a new screen, and also leaks around the perimeter in addition to the gasket. I recently sat out a storm inside the boat and was able to observe all of the leaks. I can attempt to remove it and rebed the hatch but if it should break (since that it is plastic), then I would have to locate a replacement that will fit. I have heard that some hatches do not seat properly in the later Oday boats because there is a slight curvature in the deck (although I have not checked mine with a straight edge).

 

[agprice22]

Wow. Plastic hatch... That is wretched. My friend's Oday 26 has that hatch too. It is really flimsy. My '87 272 has the aluminum hatch. I just put 1/2" plexi in it.
It is a shame the screws don't line up, but you will like the heftier hatch.

 

[Pat]

I would suggest you speak with Rudy and D & R Marine in Massachusetts. He formerly indicated to me that a major issue is the size and depth of the cut out area that hatch has to fit into......He calls it the 'glunt' or something like that....just a thought...he might have some good advice....

 

[Pat]

As a follow-up..our is plastic and may be the hatch you are describing.....The hatch seems strong enough but
the black seal used by the manuf'-er...can leak too easily....I've re-sealed it several times and after a bit of time, it begins to leak again.....and further our Prop. Mgr...who installed the replacement sent by O'Day had to drill new holes as they didn't match the original hatch ....so we may be talking the same replacement hatch...

 

[StanleyJ]

Thanks folks! I believe that a few of us have the same hatch. I will contact Rudy at D & R and also will try to gently remove the old hatch. I have purchased butyl tape and will try to rebed with butyl and buy a new gasket.

 

[emergpa1]

I had an oday 26, I was able to use a slightly larger hatch by cutting a "spacer" out of a 3/4 inch piece of plywood that I sealed and painted. It also lifted the edge of the hatch off the surface of the deck which decreased the chances for leaves. Let me see if I can find a photo to show you what I mean. Ok, in the pick below, imagine now I have added a spacer between the hatch and the deck

. That lifts the hatch, giving you more space to fit the hatch.

 

[31seahorse]

Hello Captain Stanley, We replaced the forward hatch on our 1988 272LE with a new all plastic hatch. Worked OK for a while, but then started to see leaks around the frame to deck joint. Not enough caulk? Maybe. I also thought that some sort of wooden rim to raise the frame of the hatch above the deck would be a great idea. Water seemed to puddle and work its way in from the top (aft) edge of the rim. Used tape to cover the area.....yes, down and dirty plus ugly! I would not choose plywood. Look for a source of teak from a used boat parts place. My solution was to sell the boat after pointing out the leak to the buyers.

 

[agprice22]

Perhaps the plastic flexes too much with temperature changes? I have the metal hatch, and it never leaks. I replaced the 30 yr old plexi in it this season. It looks great.

 

[StanleyJ]

I would rather replace my hatch with an aluminum hatch rather than another polycarbonate (plastic one). Your hatch looks good and it just fit in the opening with no room to spare. Do you happen to know what brand and model hatch this is?

Thanks for your help!

 

[agprice22]

I looked all over it when I had the top out to reglaze it. I could not find a maker. It must be under the frame.
I am thinking Bomar, but I don't know.