I would like to remove the lens covers on my three Bomar hatches (1 big, 2 small) and take them to the local plastics firm to replace the lenses. Please advise how to remove the hinge pins. They look to be narrow metal pins, thin at the one end and a spiral spring clip at the "hammer-it-in" end. I am about to try to knock them out using a very small punch but would like confirmation that will work before I ruin the hatches.
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Philip Schofield
Ventura Yacht Club, CA.
Tommy T
Hull 572
I replaced a cracked lens by cutting it out in situ, leaving the frame on the boat. The plastic place was able to make an exact copy. I cleaned the frame off with a razor blade, 220 sand paper, and acetone. Then I put a layer of butyl tape (much cheaper at an auto parts store than West) to raise it a bit so water doesn't collect, and set it in place. Then sealed the gaps with Dow Corning 795 (nasty sticky messy stuff, but works like a champ). Tape off the lens and frame with blue tape and paper off a large work area. And wear nasty clothes you intend to throw away. I used rubber gloves and a finger to make a nice bead with the Dow Corning 795.
Hummina
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#741
Bayfield, WI. Usually.
Not me, but sure could have been: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HvXOAf46nk
Hummina
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#741
Bayfield, WI. Usually.
Thanks Hummina for the response with the 2 videos. That's the way i will do it. I had been concerned about breaking the old lens and then not being able to use it as a template for the new lens. I see now that that should not be a concern.
Philip Schofield
Ventura Yacht Club, CA.
Tommy T
Hull 572
Oh, and another thing. Cutting it out does take a bit. Use a very sharp box cutter that you can put some weight on from the top all around the lens. I then went below and latched the dogs so I could push up just enough on the lens opposite the dogs to get a start on cutting sideways to break the bottom seal. Once it's started, undo and remove the dogs and keep cutting. I had read somewhere that it is easy to bend the frame when removing the lens, so I took special care not to.
Hummina
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#741
Bayfield, WI. Usually.
Oh, and another thing (I keep on remembering more, sorry) the Dow Corning 795 shrinks a tiny bit, so you'll want to run a bead slightly higher than the imaginary line of the aluminum frame and the lens. Then let it cure for a week (instructions are on the tube) and come back and trim it with a razor blade. Get all of the little pieces, if you step on a piece and have a textured deck, you'll have a black smear the refuses to die.
Hummina
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#741
Bayfield, WI. Usually.