cracked hatch H35

[richk]

I have an '88 Hunter 35 Legend. Just today the plastic window in the aft hatch cracked near the dog. The plastic has the word "NIBO" on it. I don't know what size it is. Normally I'd try to just replace the lens, but the lever arm was in bad shape...probably why the crack developed when it was dogged down.

Anyone know what size the hatch is and where I can get a good price? What do I need to do to remove the old assembly and put in the new one?

Thanks in advance
Rich in Annapolis

 

[John Nantz]

Hatch probably not available anymore

A few years ago I wanted to replace the forward hatch on my '88 H35 and found out the exact replacement wasn't available anymore. The plant had a fire and the tooling for the hatches was destroyed.

Wound up getting a replacement from them where the side drop-in dimensions fit exactly like the old one but the corner radius was larger so this left a gap of about 1/4-inch in each corner. The corner gaps should be filled in with glass to avoid leaks.

I don't have access to my manual right now but I *think* the hatch was a Bomar.

Rather than replace just the plexiglass I'd recommend replacing the whole hatch. I don't think the effort is worth it to save a few bucks.

 

[BrianW]

Weld It

Rich, search the archives. A while back, there was a thread about Plexiglas repair. If I remember it correctly, a member described the use of Plexiglas solvent. The dispenser had a syringe nettle-like applicator that wicked the solvent into the cracked area. The solvent literally dissolved and then welded the cracked area together. After that, the area was buffed. This may be worth investigating before buying a replacement. BrianW

 

[paul werenko]

Rich,
You have been helpful on our postings (paul and zandra) over the past half year and wanted to say thanks. We recently (first half of december) sailed right past you, moving our H35 from Bohemia River to Reedville, Va. and will be keeping her there for a while.
I have had some leaks from our ports from the area around the attachment of the port to the cabin. In our previous boat we had installed Lewmar ports and hatches and had great, great service from these and are thinking about replacing all original ports with these as well. In searching these out I have located pyachts.com (410-268-9696) which is in your neighborhood. Their website details the sizes (overall and cutouts) and I feel that the prices of the Lewmar products are very good for the quality of the product. This did not answer your question directly but is one particular path to look into.
Thanks again for your past input and feel free to write directly. (paulwerenko@yahoo.com)
paul and zandra

 

[padozary]

Rich,

While I don't have first hand knowledge, I hear good things about Select Plastics hatch repair service.

http://www.selectplastics.com/index.php/Home.html

Regards,
Paul

 

[orion]

The hatch is made by BOMAR. If you google it should come up with Pompanette. That website will give you allthe information about the hatch and how to order a replacement.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would also recommend Select Plastics. They can probably send you the replacement acrylic or you can remove the hatch and send it to them for repair.

They are located in Connecticut.

 

[stephen Penny]

I have two highly crazed Bomar hatches that wanted t0 replace. I contacted Bomar and they advised me that after 23 years new ones would not fit. So I contacted Select Plastics at the suggestion of Steve Dion on this forum last year. I called the owner who advised me that their protocol is for me to ship my hatches and they will make you new ones from my frames with new lenses and gaskets. Turnaround time is ~4 weeks. Select Plastics is located at 219 Liberty Square, Norwalk, CT 06855-1029 telephone (203) 866-3767. As I recall the cost was a little priciy but less than new hatches and will fit. This project is on my list for next summer.

This my experience and understanding. Others may have other experiences to share.