Sources for forward hatch replacement

[Bob Kirsten]

In previous forum's, there was reference to Bomar low profile 16 7/8" x 16 7/8" available on Ebay from Rebel, and at a good price of about $119. I have looked for some months without success for this on EBay. Does anyone have a less expensive source for this hatch. I am finding regular Bomar dealers indicating about $350. Also has anyone tried any other suppliers?

Thanks,

Bob Kirsten
DD Mau
#438

[Gerry Connolly]

Try Stright-McKay.com They have a 16.5"x16.5" Bomar lexan hatch for $217.15 Cnd. Might be the same hatch as Outlaw Marine use to have for $119.00.

[dave]

Bomar 966 is the correct hatch, at least according to the hole in my foredeck. I just ordered one a few days ago.

Dave

[@last]

Although more expensive I have been very happy with my lewmar replacement hatch, I believe PYacht had the best price on it at the time.

[dave]

If money was no object, aliminum is a no brainer. Unfortuanltely, I can better spend my money on things that actually make the boat easier/faster/ more fun to sail. The hatch takes a backseat to that, for me.

Dave

[grandillusion]

I am also in need of a new hatch, would like to get a Lewmar hatch or aluminum equivilant maby Taylor, anyone have a model number?

[grandillusion]

I did find a lewmar 40 series for $119 on e bay, bought it, UPS took 7 days to deliver it from 3 states away that was BS, removed my old plastic hatch, and it turns out the 40 series is not that close at 16 9/16 square, the hole in my deck is original and measures 17 1/8" the next step up is the 44 series and it requires a 17 3/8 inch cut out, I'm not afraid to get out the sander or are there any other options

[marionette]

Posts presented by forum participants are invaluable. I just found a Lewmar 44 low profile medium (thicker lexan than the low version) on ebay for $170.00. Will provide an update once it's installed. The minimum opening required is 17 1/4 - Lewmar suggests 17 3/8 rough opening. Not a bad idea so you can tuck the headliner back up behind the deck flange trim to provide a better finished appearance.

[grandillusion]

I just finished installing the low profile 40 series, on my 83 model, might I suggest. pulling down the carpet for about 6 inches around th opening, then going to Lowes and purchasing 4 oak strips (1/4 x 24 cutting them down to the length to fit inside the flat area of the opening, epoxying and clamping them on flush with the underside of the coach roof, then hand planing them down close, and sanding them the rest of the way, fill the old holes, encase the oak strips in epoxy, paint to match as nessesary, DRY fit the new hatch, if ok you can use screws, but I think it is better to through bolt as I did with longer bolts, finish nuts and fender washers, then goop it up with 5200, and bolt it down wipe the exsess, and a day or 2 later cut off the bolt stubs caulk the corners from the inside, and contact cement the carpet back up, by the way this took me all winter just poking at the project
I think you will find the 44 too large for the raised deck area only because the overall size is pretty large compared the the opening; measure twice, cut once, good luck!

[marionette]

Never though hatch replacement could be this complicated - and generally it's not. But if anyone is trying to decide on which Lewmar hatch to use - the hole in the deck may not be the deciding factor. The Lewmar 40 flange will fit - but is somewhat smaller than the hole left by the MFG. The Lewmar 44 has a slightly better fit with the flange but here the hole must be made 3/16 larger. The problem with the 44 is not the flange - it's really the topside view since the hatch itself is larger than the area of the moulded deck that is raised around the hatch. The 44 appears to be a better fit but not as nice a fininshed look. THe Ocean series 44 is no better since the OD dimensions of the hatch overhangs the raised decking by 1/4 inch on each side.

The exterior hatch measurements on the 40 are 19 3/8 and the distance from the edge of the raised deck from one side to the other is about 19 1/2. So cosmetically, the 40 "looks" better, but has to be shimmed to "fit " better.

I have not installed the 44 (yet) but will provide an status update when the time comes. My vote at this point is with Grand Illusion - go with the 40 if you choose the Lewmar route.

Runaway #23

[grandillusion]

I never thought it was that complicated untill the old hatch was removed and the tape measure came out, again good luck!

[marionette]

Continuing the search for a sturdy hatch and came across the Vetus website - check out the Genius 454542 model. 1/2 thick plexi, and measures 16 23/32 cutout and 18 21/32 overall outside dimensions of hatch cover. They also make an escape hatch with the same dimensions but no anodized trim around the lip of the lid. Prices are indicated at $175 for the plain vanilla hatch and just over $300 for the sturdier model. This fits the existing cutout just slightly better than the Lewmar 40 and is a fraction smaller than the Bomar 966. FYI

Bomar also make an aluminum rimmed hatch that looks a bit sturdier than the 966 and is in their 1000 series. The part number is 1070-10a
but is 16 1/2 cutout ( a little small and just 1/16 smaller than the Lewmar 40).

Looks like if you want to shell out the 300 bucks - Vetus might work a little better than the Lewmar. But the Bomar 966 still fits best of all the replacements discussed here so far.

Runaway (as in runaway repair bills)
1982 #23

[grandillusion]

ebay item # 370002138904 found this, did not have any luck looking up the part # provided by the lister, but it is cheap enough and could be a 7.9 match, I've allrealy replaced mine but many others still need one, check it out