Hatch Replacement

[Turn-n-Burn]

Finally getting to the cosmetics and starting with the hatch, ran into a problem with new hatch, the hinges are at least a 1/4" longer than the old one and the flange won't seat flat due to the raised portion of the top decking. Is it an option that I could rout out a portion of the top deck for the hinges and flange to seat? I'll be using 3M 4000uv(black).

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Hatch Replacement

I would use a router and go slow taking very small bites at a time to insure a nice tight fit. Looking good.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Hatch Replacement

Do you have an under frame ?

You could use a jig saw

OH..and use 4200 ... not 4000.

YD.

 

[Turn-n-Burn]

Re: Hatch Replacement

Thanks for the replies....

there is no under frame, what I really need is raised curved portion of the deck milled back about 1/8" to 1/4" for the hinge to seat flush.

I think as Bob says, routing should be no problem. Just not sure if the raised curve is gellcoat over fiberglass or not.

I'll score a line in the gellcoat to possibly kept it from cracking/splintering.

I'll look around for the 4200uv.

 

[Turn-n-Burn]

Re: Hatch Replacement

well....I remembered I had an 1" block plane. Being cautious as I didn't want the router to go out of control, so I gave that a try. It took about an hour, but at least I had full control. I think it turned out ok. Just need to sand and blend it in.

Don't want to be annoying, but I have another question. I want to do all my gelcoat repairs at once and am not quite ready to do so. Is there a need to seal the fiberglass immediately? The boat is always fully covered when not in use.

Thanks again for all the help!!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Hatch Replacement

So you dont have a trim ring for the underside that came with that hatch ? hmm..

If it were just the hinges that needed a little cutout .. why did you go all the way across the tape line ?

Now you need to repair that dont you ?

Dremel out only what you need to install stuff in the future .. it will save you time and materials.

But I think you know this now ..

YD.

 

[Turn-n-Burn]

Re: Hatch Replacement

I wanted the look and function(water run off) as original as possible. The original trim ring fits like a glove. The time and material doesn't bother me so much. I have another repair to do on the corner cap, took a huge wake at the end of last season while gassing up and ripped out the rubrail and took a chuck of fiberglass with it. But that's for another thread, still reading about fiberglassing options.