Cracks around Bomar Hatches

[Bill Rogers]

After purchasing a 1984 Catalina 30 #3560 last year,I noticed 2 cracks that originate from the inside forward corners of 2 (10"?) bomar hatches.(one located in the head and the other a few feet to starboard in the companionway just behind the V-berth door) They run on a diagonal for about 3 to 4 inches toward the forward center of the boat. I have a leak from the Starboard hatch and tried to take it out yesterday. I unscrewed it from the top of the deck and tried to pry it out gently, but thought I should research this a bit more before continuing on. The cracks are only inside the cabin and there doesn't appear to be any softening of the deck above where the cracks are.Are theses cracks common around hatches ?Is there a different way to take hatches out besides just prying them up with a pry bar ? Thanks,Bill

 

[Steve Dion]

Be careful!

Bill:Be careful trying to pry these hatches from the deck. If they are in there with something like 5200 you are going to remove the gelcoat with the hatch.Not knowing what you are dealing with, it may be prudent to try to use some anti-bond for 5200. This will soften the sealant regardless if it is 5200 or not. You may also check with Catalina and see if they KNOW what was originally used.There is a tool that you can purchase at Home Depot that is used for cutting the caulk away. I think it is a glazing tool. It is simular to a putty knife but has a blade on it with a point. This can then be worked under the hatch to help release the caulk.Once the caulk is cut away from the deck you will probably need to do something on the interior too.As far as these cracks being common, I would refer this to other owners of similar boats built in the same time frame.

 

[Tom]

Bomar hatch removal

If you go to the Bomar web site, they say that many boat manufacturers DO use polyurethane sealants (like 5200) to install hatches.Check the bottom of the attached web page for their info on removing old hatches.If you contact Bomar Customer service, the hatch on the C30 is a cast hatch, model C130 (10x10). That's the hatch they told me today was on my '82 C30, after looking at my hatch pictures.