I own a 2000 Catalina 36 MKII. The hatches have serious crazing. This boat is well cared for, and I was very surprised to see the hatches deteriorate after only a few years. I would appreciate your suggestions. What about replacements? Lewmar part nos: 39540070 (Main Salon) 39665070 (Forward V-Berth) 39410070 (Port and starboard hatches)
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Jim Willis
Crazing of acrylic is due to UV....
and also "hot/cold" expansion and contraction. This is due to a "zipper" reaction where the polymer chains cross link/iunlink in a linear way. For instance, I have a cabin hatch on my Gulf 32 that has what looks like surface "scratches" only on the side that gets the sun most of the day (ten years in tropics). Also "starring" around the metal fittings. Much depends on the source and quality of the acrylic material and (particularly)if the acrylic has been heat bent. New (thick) Acrylic sheet is resistant at first but if it is heat rolled or bent it forms "stress risers". I think that this can be annealed like metal, but in some cases just adding a solvent or strong cleaner to these areas will set up the "zipper" reaction. Lexan never does this (it is less clear, and is not rigid and brittle like acrylic but is bendy alsmost like "toffee") yellows on the outside due to oxidation. I have half inch thick lexan storm windows on my boat that are periodically cleaned up and are still OK. To take care of acrylic hatches...NEVER use strong solvents, only watered down cleaner and avoid abrasives. Protect from UV with a sunbrellan hatch cover. Thanks Jim W
and also "hot/cold" expansion and contraction. This is due to a "zipper" reaction where the polymer chains cross link/iunlink in a linear way. For instance, I have a cabin hatch on my Gulf 32 that has what looks like surface "scratches" only on the side that gets the sun most of the day (ten years in tropics). Also "starring" around the metal fittings. Much depends on the source and quality of the acrylic material and (particularly)if the acrylic has been heat bent. New (thick) Acrylic sheet is resistant at first but if it is heat rolled or bent it forms "stress risers". I think that this can be annealed like metal, but in some cases just adding a solvent or strong cleaner to these areas will set up the "zipper" reaction. Lexan never does this (it is less clear, and is not rigid and brittle like acrylic but is bendy alsmost like "toffee") yellows on the outside due to oxidation. I have half inch thick lexan storm windows on my boat that are periodically cleaned up and are still OK. To take care of acrylic hatches...NEVER use strong solvents, only watered down cleaner and avoid abrasives. Protect from UV with a sunbrellan hatch cover. Thanks Jim W
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Lance
Thanks for your response Jim
Thanks for your response Jim. I never had this problem with my earlier boats. My last boat was a 1990 Catalina 30 and all hatches were perfect when I sold her in 2000. That's ten years. These hatches went south after only 2 1/2 years. And I have sunbrella hatch covers for all of my hatches. I find it interesting that I have not received any acknowledgement from Lewmar on my post. If Lewmar would be so kind, I would like to talk with you about replacement. Who should I speak with? I can be reached either here or via email at: lsalmonsen@charter.net Thanks for your time. Lance
Thanks for your response Jim. I never had this problem with my earlier boats. My last boat was a 1990 Catalina 30 and all hatches were perfect when I sold her in 2000. That's ten years. These hatches went south after only 2 1/2 years. And I have sunbrella hatch covers for all of my hatches. I find it interesting that I have not received any acknowledgement from Lewmar on my post. If Lewmar would be so kind, I would like to talk with you about replacement. Who should I speak with? I can be reached either here or via email at: lsalmonsen@charter.net Thanks for your time. Lance
Crazing
Jim, Lance has it all right.. UV is definitely the culprit. The crazing effect of acrylic varies greatly on the amount of use and UV exposure, as well as other less subjective inputs, such as cleaner used, solvents and other chemical distressers applied. I recommend that you contact Stan Walton at (800)362-7212. He can walk you through any options that are available for replacment.
Jim, Lance has it all right.. UV is definitely the culprit. The crazing effect of acrylic varies greatly on the amount of use and UV exposure, as well as other less subjective inputs, such as cleaner used, solvents and other chemical distressers applied. I recommend that you contact Stan Walton at (800)362-7212. He can walk you through any options that are available for replacment.
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Mark Logan
Protect from UV with a sunbrellan hatch cover
Does anyone sell prefabricated hatch covers for Lewmar hatches? I have a 2003 B-393 and the crazing is starting on selected hatches. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.
Does anyone sell prefabricated hatch covers for Lewmar hatches? I have a 2003 B-393 and the crazing is starting on selected hatches. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.
Covers
Mark, JSI is is my area and I know they have patterns for our hatches. You could try them.
Mark, JSI is is my area and I know they have patterns for our hatches. You could try them.
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Mark Logan
Sunbrella Hatch Covers
Great Sir. Thanks for the information. I will contact JSI. On another note. The folding wheel is great. I installed it on my 393 and it really opens up the cockpit. I'm very happy with the solid quality of the materials and workmanship. This is no flimsy gimmick.
Great Sir. Thanks for the information. I will contact JSI. On another note. The folding wheel is great. I installed it on my 393 and it really opens up the cockpit. I'm very happy with the solid quality of the materials and workmanship. This is no flimsy gimmick.
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