Lewmar Hatch Gasket Installation

BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
2,776
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
First attempt to install a new rubber hatch gasket on a Lewmar low profile deck hatch did not go well. Verified that the gasket number & lens number were correct. The gasket split where it had been glued at the factory to form a continuous seal. I plan to reglue the gasket and soak the gasket in a very hot water bath, to hopefully make the gasket more ductile to allow it to stretch adequately to fit on the acrylic lens. I haven't progressed to the point of sliding the aluminum frame / retainer onto the lens & gasket; however, I imagine that the rubber gasket has to be very tightly adapted to the lens to prevent the gasket from bunching up when the aluminum frame slides over the gasket & lens. Any suggestions to tame this monster?? :(:(
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,771
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I'd put some liquid dish soap on the gasket and frame as you slide them together.
Not sure it will work, but it should not harm any of the materials.
 
BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
2,776
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
jssailem said:
I'd put some liquid dish soap on the gasket and frame as you slide them together.
Not sure it will work, but it should not harm any of the materials.
Click to expand
Tried a little Dawn DWD to get the gasket over the top of the acrlic lens, but the gasket started to split so I didn't go any further until I can reglue the gasket. will definitely use dawn when I place the frame! Believe me, it isn't as easy as seen in the Lewmar video!!
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,771
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
You may find this product helpful in getting the “super Glue” to connect the gasket ends.
Starbond CA Glue Accelerator - Instantly Dries Super Glue
 
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JamesG161

JamesG161

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Feb 14, 2014
7,745
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
There should be tiny air holes at the seam point. That seam should be between the handles.

Heat gun [warm day sunlight maybe] could help warm the gasket prior to the stretch.

Jim...
 
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BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
2,776
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
JamesG161 said:
There should be tiny air holes at the seam point. That seam should be between the handles.
Heat gun [warm day sunlight maybe] could help warm the gasket prior to the stretch.
Click to expand
Previously read about the vent holes; however, could not locate holes on this "pre-made" gasket from Lewmar. I can create my own vent hole version with a heated ice pick if I experience difficulty in closing the hatch after installation. Will try the hot water bath, soapy water lubrication, clamping at the glued joint (to reduce stress on the joint), and maybe the heat gun to get this gasket on the acrylic lens. Never fails, something so simple turns out to be a SOB!
 
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BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
2,776
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
JamesG161 said:
I know how, but what is my prize for the secret?:pimp:

Still restoring my boat.
Click to expand
I already know your secret; buy unmade gasket a couple inches too long, cut, & glue seam prior to final installation of frame! Unfortunately, the gasket that I have is premade and not any surplus to work with. If my reglued seam fails, , I may try to stretch the gasket after installing the frame & attempt to re glue again; however, I doubt that will work because the gasket will be under tension while attempting to reglue seam.

PS: Do we have an estimated SPLASH date for the boat??
 
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JamesG161

JamesG161

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Feb 14, 2014
7,745
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
BigEasy said:
If my reglued seam fails
Click to expand
Maybe this...
Cut new gasket at seam. Cut an inch out of old gasket. Glue them together?
_________
BigEasy said:
Do we have an estimated SPLASH date for the boat??
Click to expand
Just about Hurricane Season Peak in August:facepalm:

Biggest job of Installing new Genset is DONE :clap:
Next is putting back the Genset Enclosure to access the Start up and Queen Bed on top.

Slowly reassembling boat interior.
Jim...

PS: I am updating still
Repairing boat after Hurricane Zeta
 
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BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
2,776
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Thanks all for the suggestions for replacing a gasket on a Lewmar deck hatch. I reglued the new factory made gasket with Loctite rubber / plastic cement where the seam began to split. Soaped the gasket & lens with dishwashing liquid & water, heated the gasket at low temp with a heat gun, clamped gasket onto lens at seam so it wouldn’t tear again, and stretched the gasket onto the acrylic lens. Reinstalled the aluminum frame and replaced gaskets between the handles & lens. Definitely a two person job. Tested thoroughly with a hose; no leaks! Only have four more to go, but they aren't leaking yet. :p
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,771
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Nice work Big Easy. A two person job unless your a clever Cajun. :biggrin:
 
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