My forward hatch is leaking around the frame lid seal to Lexan/Plexiglas insert. I can not find any manufacturing details on who made the hatch. It is a black poly frame and lid with black Lexan insert. Not counting the hinges, the outside size of frame lid is 19inches square and the insert is 15 inches square. Both insert and frame have rounded corners. The dogs and lid supports attach to the underside of lid frame and the insert is just a flat piece of Lexan that sits in a groove in the top of the frame lid. The Lexan insert is heavily crazed and I figure that I can not just polish it out. Plus I am not sure if polishing would remove the craze. Therefore, I am now looking for a new Lexan lens insert before I address the seal leak between the lens and frame. Any ideas on who made it or who to contact to get a replacement lens?
Forward Hatch on '87 ODAY 272LE
- Thread starter Karl13253
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- forward hatch lens
I just removed the lens and took it to a plastics place and had them cut a new one to match the old.
Your forward hatch may be a Forespar model. Bomar makes a replacement hatch. The actual cutout in your deck should be approximately 16 1/2 - 16 7/8" with radiused corners. I pulled the whole hatch out of my boat and carefully removed the lexan lens to use as a pattern. A local plastic shop cut a replacement lens for about $20.00. If I remember correctly, I cleaned the lid very thoroughly and lightly sanded the groove in the lid. I believe that I bedded the new lens with butyl tape around the groove and then sealed the gap on top with Dow 795 sealant (which can be purchased much cheaper) at a plate glass shop). I then reset the whole hatch in Dow 795 if my memory is accurate. My hatch no longer leaks. If you want a new hatch, it is a tricky fit but you can find them at D&R Marine, Defender Marine, or Discount Marine. A Bomar 900 series hatch is about $300 at defender and includes the trim ring and screen. These are also polycarbonate hatches but they are heavier than the original equipment. I also found an Aluminum hatch by Bomar that would probably fit but you have to make sure that the hinges will work on the Oday due to the way the deck is made in the hatch area. I am happy with my repair for now.
We've had the 272LE since Dec. of 1986....Since that time we have received two replacement hatches....both were sent to us without our requesting replacements by O'day.. The first one (I don't remember the make) was fine...no leaks even in downpours; the second replacement again was fine...then a third one showed up and we hired our prop. manager to install it (he said it was a devil to install by himself so he had one of his helpers help).....I've never known the make of this third one, but it has never not leaked....so we leave a large plastic bag layed flat on the v-berth when away...if it has rained there is always a little water on the bag....just a pain, but could be worse.....we did not have to pay for any of the above except to our P.Manager.....I think all (including the original on the boat when purchased new) were just inexpensive plastic hatches....Rudy at D & R could probably shed more light on the brands and what prompted the
various sort of recalls...Pat
various sort of recalls...Pat