On my older 75 Catalina 27, the forward hatch is one solid piece of fibreglass. I would like to some how modify it to take lexan to let the sun shine in, and shed some light in the forward black hole of Calcutta (V birth). I know if the hatch were flat, it wouldn't be a problem, according to the book - "This Old Boat" - but what can you do if your hatch is not flat but curved? Is there a commercial hatch available as replacement?
Forward Hatch Over Head - let the sun shine
- Thread starter rsn48
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Hatch
There is a replacement hatch . Be sitting down when you look at the price . Rob http://www.cruisingconcepts.com
There is a replacement hatch . Be sitting down when you look at the price . Rob http://www.cruisingconcepts.com
What's the material?
I know someone that bought one and he loves it. I noticed they won't tell you what the material is.
I know someone that bought one and he loves it. I noticed they won't tell you what the material is.
It appears that the hatch was an option in the
year your boat was made. Catalina Direct has replacement covers & retofit hatchs & a Clear replacement for 80's boats but specifically state it will not fit your boat due to differing shape of cabin top. If you have a smaller area that is flat (maybe fore & aft) you could try putting in a deck prism if you want to be real salty. They have some round ones might work also. I've put one brand on the attached link, probably others.
year your boat was made. Catalina Direct has replacement covers & retofit hatchs & a Clear replacement for 80's boats but specifically state it will not fit your boat due to differing shape of cabin top. If you have a smaller area that is flat (maybe fore & aft) you could try putting in a deck prism if you want to be real salty. They have some round ones might work also. I've put one brand on the attached link, probably others.
The prism might just...
The prism might just work and is almost a local company - Sidney, BC. I don't care if the hatch is clear as long as I can get light into the V Berth area; the prism looks like it might be just the ticket - until you hit your head on it.
The prism might just work and is almost a local company - Sidney, BC. I don't care if the hatch is clear as long as I can get light into the V Berth area; the prism looks like it might be just the ticket - until you hit your head on it.
They do look like they could leave a mean dent
in your forehead don't they. I've been on boats with the old rectangular ones and they seem to allow a surprising amount of light in.
in your forehead don't they. I've been on boats with the old rectangular ones and they seem to allow a surprising amount of light in.
replacement hatch
re-check the cruising concepts product. There are two models, one for the old c27 style where the hatch is on the deck area in front of the mast and opens into the area between the head and the locker, and one for the newer models where the hatch is mounted on the sloped area further forward and opens into the V-berth. The newer style is the one pictured, Your style is the former and it is a simple replacement, if you want to shell out $475. The construction material appears to be Lexan. I have also seen small,opening type hatches installed in the deck area above the V-berth to provide light and ventilation. An adapter might be needed to fit it to the slightly curved deck.
re-check the cruising concepts product. There are two models, one for the old c27 style where the hatch is on the deck area in front of the mast and opens into the area between the head and the locker, and one for the newer models where the hatch is mounted on the sloped area further forward and opens into the V-berth. The newer style is the one pictured, Your style is the former and it is a simple replacement, if you want to shell out $475. The construction material appears to be Lexan. I have also seen small,opening type hatches installed in the deck area above the V-berth to provide light and ventilation. An adapter might be needed to fit it to the slightly curved deck.
I had one
On my old boat (cat 27,,Prelude)I had a smoked lexan hatch made by one of the local plastics firms. It worked very well. The place was in Burnaby, we had a couple made to lessen the cost. He had to make a mold and may still have it although it was quite a few years ago. RG Miller. Pretender, Vancouver
On my old boat (cat 27,,Prelude)I had a smoked lexan hatch made by one of the local plastics firms. It worked very well. The place was in Burnaby, we had a couple made to lessen the cost. He had to make a mold and may still have it although it was quite a few years ago. RG Miller. Pretender, Vancouver
Two rectangular prisms might do it
I'm thinking two rectangular prisms in the V berth area will probably do it. I think they will throw enough light so that it doesn't look so dark and depressing. Light in the head area isn't as much of an issue because of the two windows in this location. I think a lexan hatch will only light the head more, with some peripheral light going into the V berth. The rectangular prisms will throw light directly into that depressing dark hole, which I think will be a better solution.
I'm thinking two rectangular prisms in the V berth area will probably do it. I think they will throw enough light so that it doesn't look so dark and depressing. Light in the head area isn't as much of an issue because of the two windows in this location. I think a lexan hatch will only light the head more, with some peripheral light going into the V berth. The rectangular prisms will throw light directly into that depressing dark hole, which I think will be a better solution.
K.I.S.S. Method
I've seen folks sand a patch (typically a neat square) of the gelcoat off both sides of the FWD hatch. The fiberglass itself lets a fair amount of light in, once you do away with the gelcoat/paint. But I'd think you'd dissapoint all those engineers out there...
I've seen folks sand a patch (typically a neat square) of the gelcoat off both sides of the FWD hatch. The fiberglass itself lets a fair amount of light in, once you do away with the gelcoat/paint. But I'd think you'd dissapoint all those engineers out there...
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