36C Deck Hatch

[surfdancer45]

My front deck hatch is so warped that I can not get it to seal. Have any of you series 1 36c owners replaced your front deck hatch? I have looked at the hatches in all my catelogs but no one seems to offer a size that would fit the hatteras opening. Any suggestions? Bob

 

[Mike36c]

Ouch, I can't think of anyone who would make a replacement on the cheap. If light penetration through the un-gelcoated center is not an issue I would core it. Just remove the hatch, grind the underside, and glass in a wood or foam core. A wood core would be best because it is more rigid. Lay the hatch upside down on a perfectly flat surface, bevel the wood, apply a couple wet coats of 1.5oz mat, lay the core, then weight it down heavily to straighten. Once fully cured remove the weight, clean it up (grind) and lay a 1.5oz mat finish coat. Sand then gelcoat or paint. That WILL fix it.

 

[surfdancer45]

Thanks Mike, that is my fall bach position if thee is nothing available. I have done this to all my deck hatches so I know the routine. Bob

 

[the kuz]

Bob, don't know how much twist is in your hatch - mine was't too bad but wouldn't seal. I put small hard rubber spacers on the two latches (didn't look like they could be easily repositioned/adjusted) so the the latches pulled the hatch down an extra 1/16th or so and it seals. Not a pernament fix, but keeps the water out. OBTW was your boat down at Pirates Cove in Manteo a few years back? Saw a nicely redone 36C named Samuri while down there (glassed salon front, with Cummins re-power). Best Regards, Bob K

 

[surfdancer45]

Bob K, yes, Samurai was in OI for early fishing. I am in the process of painting my topside (Awlcraft 2000). I have done all my doors and hatches at home and that front hatch was driving me crazy. I reinstalled it with new hatch seal and changed the hatch fasteners. When I put a hose on it there are a some drops inside the hatch. I now have a 50# lead bar on the offending corner to see if the twist will come out. I am in Virginia Beach(Fisherman's Wharf Marina), if you come through give me holler and we can have a cold one. Bob S

 

[Bertramp]

I would try Tom Slane ... he has lots of misc. parts from remaning our boats. You might get lucky ! Also, if you decide to glass in stiffeners, see Tom regarding his acrylic inserts for the hatches. I added one to my 36 yrs ago and it was great. I'm presently doing all 3 hatches on my 45.

 

[34Hatt]

I think my 34C had same hatch as your and I have a bomar in mine P.O put it in fits perfect. Did you look at bomar if you don't see one that size maybe try calling them