Leaky hatch over dinette H33.5

[WestCoastMike]

Hi all,

I've got an 88 H33.5 and the hatch over the dinette table in the main cabin leaks. I was wondering what was there from the factory? It appears that a P/O had put 2 pieces of lexan on either side of the opening and sealed it up with butyl tape and silicone. It then looks like that just became like a pop can and contracted and expanded with the heat until it created a leak around the edge.

I grabbed few BOMAR opening hatches but they don't seem to have anything that drops in there close to the same size and i really am not interested in starting to cut into the deck/deck head.

I am now thinking to rebed the top piece of lexan and drill a hole in the bottom piece to allow air exchange between the two pieces.

Any input would be appreciated and photos would be awesome.

Thanks

Mike

 

[navigator97]

We have a 1990 hunter 33.5 and over the dining table and over the settee there are "Gull Wing" opening hatches with a locking arm on each to hold them open when we want. They drop down when the arms are released (a L & R screwing action that binds them) and they have 2 screw "dogs" that secure them. There is a U-shaped channel with a foam neoprene gasket in it to seal it. We have replaced the gasket (from West Marine) a few years ago. It does not leak. If you need I could look up the gasket P/N. The hatch it self is just flat lexan (or acrylic). It could probably be made up if you can not geat the right finished hatch cover.

 

[WestCoastMike]

Thanks Navigator,
my gull wing hatches are fine but the 88 has a hatch just aft of the mast which is where my leaking is occurring, well one of the places I have leaks!

Mike

 

[navigator97]

Now I understand Mike. I too have the large square (or rectangular) fixed port there; It also has two layers of Lexan with air space between them. Fortunately ours hasn't leaked yet (having said that I had better check it this week). Putting is some small vent holes may help getting rid of moisture between them. Good luck with it.

Dick

 

[WestCoastMike]

Thanks Dick,

I didn't think it was factory but once I got it all apart it seems that it is, and of course confirmed by you. Once I started cleaning all the old sealant out it looks like it was just "old age" causing the leak. I cleaned it all and put a good bead of sikaflex down and am hoping it holds.

Mike