ODay 222 Hatch Cover

[Don]

I own a 1986 ODay 222 and am looking to replace my forward hatch cover (that opens) in the bow. The original hatch cover (plexiglass) has cracked and was wondering what manufacturer's hatch covers would be a suitable replacement.I would welcome anyone's experience and suggestions about this.ThanksDon

 

[Donald Joy]

Replaced 222 front hatch successfully

I bought one from Boats US which fit. It was a Bomar Molded Hatch(black). If I remember I had to drill a couple of the holes. I reused the existing inner ring. It was very hard to get the old hatch out the original sealant was really stuck. Watch out that you don't mark the external fiberglass as you try prying it out. Once I got it out the new one dropped right in. Getting the screws back in was also time consuming.If you need more info I can go out and look at the hatch for a model number. Its been a year since I put it in.My 222 is a 1985.

 

[Don]

Hatch re-build

I just rebuilt my 272 hatch. It was time consuming, but saved the 250 dollars quoted for a new one. I cut/pryed out the old cracked plexiglass with a sharp exacto knife, then cleaned up the recess with a chisel and the exacto knife. The most time consuming part was cleaning all the old sealant off the hatch ring. I then took the old plexiglass piece to a local glass shop and had them cut me a piece of smoke colored Lexan to fit. I installed the lexan with silicone adhesive and sealed all the edges. I did some minor fiberglassing to reenforce the hold down lug corners, then gave it a black enamel touchup. So for less than fifty bucks I have a new, leak free hatch. And Lexan is more durable than Plexi. Just an Idea if you have a few hours. Don