Ah, that sore subject again - crazed hatch covers. Has there been any technology improving hatch windows to make them more resistant to crazing? Yes, I have sunbrella material covers that we use faithfully. Yes, I avoid harsh cleanering liquids. Has anyone recently purchased replacements? Did you just replace the windows or the whole window & frame from Lewmar? What did it cost and where did you purchase?
Not too sure if I want to go through the effort and expense if there is a good probability it will happen again.
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peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina
Peter-
Your boat may have had a previous owner that subjected the hatches to some chemicals? That said, most acrylic and polycarbonate (Lexan) hatch windows will craze or haze over time. There are a lot of variables. When we were looking at used C36's, some had crazing and others didn't - all from the same production year. The Sunbrella hatch covers should go a long way to delaying the process. Crazing is micro crack formation from stress and/or chemicals exposure. If the original lenses had rough edges and not sanded smooth prior to installation, that could accelerate crazing. If they were ever cleaned with a solvent, that could lead to it. If an incompatible bedding compound was used, that too could create crazing. Lamar or other manufactures would know about this and use proper materials and processes- in theory. I would think it reasonable to get at least 7-10 years for unprotected hatches and 15+ years from covered hatches before the first signs of crazing show up and maybe another 5+ years until it seriously weakens the hatch. Search You Tube and you will find good videos and information on replacing the hatch lenses.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Peter... there is a company in Conn. that can replace the glass only. I spoke to them at a show a few years ago and, unfortunately, I don't remember their name. Someone on the site probably can provide it.
They told me that some hatches are easy to replace the glass in and you can do it yourself and others are difficult and they recommend sending the whole cover to them. They can tell from the serial number on the hatch which yours might be. A friend of mine spoke to them last year about doing their boat and they were told it would take about a week to do the whole job, fyi.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Select Plastics is the company. Check on lead time as it can be quite long in the spring. I opted to replace the forward hatch lid and entire head hatch. Between the repair, shipping, etc it adds up. Not to say replacement was the cheapest route but best for me. I purchased through Defender. Select Plastics contact info: East Norwalk, CT 06855
Email: anne@selectplastics.com
Phone: 203.866.3767
Fax: 203.866.3948
http://www.selectplastics.com
Gary Smith
93 MK I, Hull #1231
Std rig; wing keel
M35A Oberdorfer conversion
HatchMasters is another source.
https://hatchmasters.com/hatch-repair/
Don Lincoln
"Nancy Lynn"
1993 Catalina MK1.5, Hull 1238
LaSalle, MI (Lake Erie)
Universal M-35AC
I used hatchmasters did a great job and I knew it would fit right
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
Might compare with the replacement hatch lenses at Catalina Direct
Just search "repalcement hatch lense"
Steve Steakley
SNOWBALL
1998 C36 #1711
Seattle,WA
https://svwandrinstar.blogspot.com