Replacing Hatches on Albin A27 Express

[SkipRocks]

I am replacing the 5 deck hatches on my '85 Albin A27 Express.

Overall hatch size is 13" x 30" and the cut-out is 11" x 28 1/2". The hatches that I'm replacing are T-H Marine Sure-Seal Hatches. 4 of the 5 hatches have at least one broken (plastic) hinge. One (1) of the hatches definitely failed due to abuse, but the other three broke during normal usage. The hatches had been on the boat for 6 years.

I'm looking for options. T-H Marine provides two hatches in the size I need, the Sure-Seal model and the Designer Series model. Tempress also makes a hatch in the same size. Reviews for all three are mixed and they all seem to leak now and then - BTW, only the hatch over the lazarette was always dry for me.

All three of these hatch models are hinged, non-locking hatches and sell for about $150 (less w some retailers). As much as I hate to say it, I'm leaning toward the T-H Marine Designer Series model primarily because it has stainless steel hinges and that's been my problem with the Sure-Seal.

Looking for advice. If you've got it, share it

Skip
'

[DougSea]

Hey Skip,

I realize this post is almost two months old - you may have figured out what you're going to do. Just a suggestion - if you make a post in the "general discussion" area - try to include some pictures if you can. There are many of us who aren't very familiar with the A27 series but might recognize a part or have a thought on a path forward if we can visualize it better.

Hope the hatch issue is resolved!

Best,