I am replacing the 15"x 12,5" hatch located between the mast and companionway hatch on a Hunter 36, 1982 Cherubini. I need the cover, arm, and locking mechanism...should I get directly from Hunter or will any of the advertised low profile hatches serve just as well.
Hatch Replacement
- Thread starter OaklandB
- Start date
Lots of Research .....................
1. Hunter uses (used) many different makes of hatches over the years. What's yours ?
2. Is your size still available from the manufacturer. Check their web site.
3. Not sure exactly what you're replacing ............ if you're starting from the frame which is attached to the deck, does your cut out match a new unit ? A close but very slightly smaller unit is a monumental challenge. Web site.
4. If you're only looking for replacement parts, does the manufacturer supply them. Web site. Your hatches are a few years old.
Once you have this info, Hunter Marlowe parts (this web site) may be able to supply the pieces and parts you need.
Prior to the web, I don't see how one could ever do a project like yours.
Good luck and let us know how it went.
.................. is the first item on your "to do" list.
1. Hunter uses (used) many different makes of hatches over the years. What's yours ?
2. Is your size still available from the manufacturer. Check their web site.
3. Not sure exactly what you're replacing ............ if you're starting from the frame which is attached to the deck, does your cut out match a new unit ? A close but very slightly smaller unit is a monumental challenge. Web site.
4. If you're only looking for replacement parts, does the manufacturer supply them. Web site. Your hatches are a few years old.
Once you have this info, Hunter Marlowe parts (this web site) may be able to supply the pieces and parts you need.
Prior to the web, I don't see how one could ever do a project like yours.
Good luck and let us know how it went.
Ralph, Thnx for your reply. Your third point is closest to my problem. The bottom part of the previous hatch/frame at the deck as you described is in place. The previous owner mounted an RV A/C unit (suiting his live-a-board situation). I want to return the boat to its sleek lines. The bottom part of the hatch and the hinges are on the frame. Yeah I need original top or near perfect match in new top.
I have looked at available hunter parts but don't see anything close enough to the 13"X12.5"
that I need. Who is Phil?
Phil is one of the owners of this site. He can hopefully track down what you need. You can contact either Phil or Dave at Customer Service by phone or email.
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/cs/index.php?a=add&r=header
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/cs/index.php?a=add&r=header
If I understand you correctly, it's the upper part of the hatch that looks like a fish truck refrigeration unit and has to go. Below is a shot of one of my hatches (Lewmar 13 X 13) as I was removing the upper portion in order to replace the lens. The hinges came off quite easily. If you can find the make and model of yours existing hatch, perhaps you can use the top portion only to replace yours and forget removing the frame which is attached to the deck. Often the bottom portion is in good shape as its completely covered and there's no advantage in replacing it if not required.
This goes against my cheaper nature (wasting anything) but it will give you a near perfect job without the work of removing the lower frame.
Attachments
I want to find that 13"X15" hatch cover out there to make my task as easy as possible. I have looked at the Hunter parts on the internet. None seem to match, exactly. Not sure why the previous owner discarded the original hatch top when he installed an a/c unit on top of the boat...then again, I guess that explains it in itself.
Lewmar and Bomar are the only common manufacturers that I know of.
Hatch sizes are measured on the outer frame dimensions, which the PO discarded in his infinite wisdom, so are you able to get the correct dimensions of the required hatch ? Just a guess and had to ask.
Bomar replacement issue
IF the hatch is by Bomar there is a problem. A few years ago their factory that made them burned down and the tooling that was used to make the hatches was destroyed. The problem is because the new hatches have a different corner radius from the old ones - it's larger.
Since the boat is an '82, IF (that's a BIG "if") the hatch was by Bomar, the new ones won't exactly fit. The best case scenario would be if the the frame rough-in dimensions matched and then all one would have to do is fill in the corner radii.
If the original was Lewmar there is an outside chance replacement parts might be available.
If it is Bomar what one might do is scour the used boat parts or salvage places and hopefully find something. Not nearly as easy as ordering a new replacement but maybe saving installation work.
If you go the replacement route, make sure the clearance between the hatch lid and the frame is small enough that the jib sheet won't get caught or snag underneath. Some older hatches had a problem with too much clearance and the sheet (jib or spinnaker) could get snagged.
Just another ordeal with boat maintenance. Welcome aboard!
IF the hatch is by Bomar there is a problem. A few years ago their factory that made them burned down and the tooling that was used to make the hatches was destroyed. The problem is because the new hatches have a different corner radius from the old ones - it's larger.
Since the boat is an '82, IF (that's a BIG "if") the hatch was by Bomar, the new ones won't exactly fit. The best case scenario would be if the the frame rough-in dimensions matched and then all one would have to do is fill in the corner radii.
If the original was Lewmar there is an outside chance replacement parts might be available.
If it is Bomar what one might do is scour the used boat parts or salvage places and hopefully find something. Not nearly as easy as ordering a new replacement but maybe saving installation work.
If you go the replacement route, make sure the clearance between the hatch lid and the frame is small enough that the jib sheet won't get caught or snag underneath. Some older hatches had a problem with too much clearance and the sheet (jib or spinnaker) could get snagged.
Just another ordeal with boat maintenance. Welcome aboard!
Here is an option if you cannot find the parts you are looking for.
MDI ( Marco Drovandi) boatwindows@att.net 949/290-1069. He has some replacement parts and can change the acrylic too.
MDI ( Marco Drovandi) boatwindows@att.net 949/290-1069. He has some replacement parts and can change the acrylic too.
Thanks all. Now I have a better feel for this task. First, I've found the hatch opening is 17"X12.5"approx. I don't see the Mfg but I can see the bottom frame will have to be removed. I am looking at a lewmar replacement that looks really close to original.
Regards,
OaklandB