Bomar Hatch Replacement

[gmberkley]

Over the weekend I happened to notice, the glass within my hatch cover that is over my table has spider cracks within it, all over the glass, I have no idea what caused it, but I assume I'll need to replace the entire hatch fairly soon. Has anyone replaced their hatch, and if so, would you have any advice for me...........thank you.

[Tree]

Mine is the same - i was just going to get some tinted polycarbonate sheet and replace it myself when I get round to it.

[gmberkley]

so you don't think it's anything I need to address immediately..........and forgive my ignorance, not sure what polycarbonate sheet, is it the same material that is presently in the hatch, and it can be replaced without replacing the entire hatch itself..........my is currently tinted, but again, is inundated with spider cracks.

[Tree]

I cant see any reason why you cant remove the polycarbonate sheet from the hatch, although i suspect it is bonded and may require some grunt to remove!

The spider cracking is usually a result of the material stretching/contracting/UV light and people stepping on it - it wont fall to bits on you, just looks bad when you look upwards in certain lights.

[gmberkley]

thanks for your time, I was concerned it may disintegrate and fall into the cabin etc..........I can live with the "look" of it for a short time, and will research where I can buy a piece of the polycarbonate and also how remove the existing and install the new piece.

thanks again

[catalina_mike]

I ordered a replacement in polished stainless from West Marine when I was cleaning up Dive Inn.

[gmberkley]

so Mike, you replaced the entire hatch due to cracks in the glass?

[catalina_mike]

so Mike, you replaced the entire hatch due to cracks in the glass?

Yes sir...

[gmberkley]

ok, thanks Mike, I'm waiting to hear back from Bomar as to what the replacement hatch model number is, the tag on my current hatch states, "BOMAR 200 452 809", but they seem to be having trouble figuring out what hatch that I have is and it's replacement..???

[jmfernan]

I replaced my 32+2's bomar hatch plastic with this acrylic one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/303664824494 and sealed with G.E. SSG 4000 AC Silicone, available from the same seller. The 28 TE may have a different size hatch but that seller probably has it available.

They also will replace for you if you are local to Ft. Lauderdale
http://yachtwindows.com/cesany/hatches/

I followed these instructions, note you let the silicone fully cure then trim with a razorblade, which worked well.
https://www.c34.org/faq-pages/faq-bomar-hatch-lens.html

Cleaning up the old sealant was the most time-consuming part but it turned out great.
Joe

[gmberkley]

Joe, thanks for the information,
Bomar got back to me, but only to tell me a replacement "glass" is 3/8" thick, and 20 7/16" x 20 7/16", no idea if it has rounded corners, and if so, what the radius is, and they didn't give me a model number of a hatch that will replace the one I have, so now I have decisions to make, maybe I'll cross my fingers and hope it holds up till Fall, I'll deal with it when I put it on the hard for the winter, and unfortunately we don't live in FLA, I live on Cape Cod, and the boat is in Fairhaven, MA.

Thanks again

[catalina_mike]

Thats why I did a complete hatch. Plus my better half wanted shiny.

[gmberkley]

fortunately, or unfortunately, mine currently is "shiny", wouldn't break my heart to remove it just to ensure it's not leaking and there's no issues around the hull...........but the price for a new one could hurt the wallet, the true meaning of the word "BOAT" will certainly pertain to this adventure.

[gmberkley]

heard back from BOMAR..........a new hatch will cost $1,233.00..........I'm in the wrong business