With the greatest regret, I confess we didn't get Grasshopper's keel wet last season due to baseball schedules, crummy weather & other summer activities. We have rectified that gross omission this season, though it has been a late start. As they say, better late than never.
At any rate, when I pulled off the tarp & began to reacquaint myself with the old girl prior to launching her last month, I discovered to my dismay that the front hatch had a crack along the bottom edge and a piece of gelcoat had come away. Rain water, melted snow, etc had seeped in over the prior 20+ months, and the core of the hatch is going in several areas, especially where the gelcoat is gone.
Has anyone replaced their front hatch? I emailed Hunter, and the reply suggested they probably have an OEM replacement. However, I'm considering replacing it with a smoked glass affair if possible. In my ideal scenario, I find a hatch with the correct dimensions and swap out hardware. I'm definitely not eager to cut a new opening and install a new frame, etc.
I'm probably dreaming here, but I thought I'd try here to see if anyone has gone this way before. Thanks, in advance, for any insight on this issue.
At any rate, when I pulled off the tarp & began to reacquaint myself with the old girl prior to launching her last month, I discovered to my dismay that the front hatch had a crack along the bottom edge and a piece of gelcoat had come away. Rain water, melted snow, etc had seeped in over the prior 20+ months, and the core of the hatch is going in several areas, especially where the gelcoat is gone.
Has anyone replaced their front hatch? I emailed Hunter, and the reply suggested they probably have an OEM replacement. However, I'm considering replacing it with a smoked glass affair if possible. In my ideal scenario, I find a hatch with the correct dimensions and swap out hardware. I'm definitely not eager to cut a new opening and install a new frame, etc.
I'm probably dreaming here, but I thought I'd try here to see if anyone has gone this way before. Thanks, in advance, for any insight on this issue.