Hey guys, another question for the group. I've done a fair bit of searching, but I need some clarification if someone is able to give it.
I want to replace the 2 hatches in the main cabin, the overhead hatch in the head, and the two opening portlights on the forard section of the coachroof. I've included a picture for clarification. As per usual I am away on work, and was just trying to get the hatch dimensions to work with so I could start pricing out the various options.
If anyone has upgraded their hatches, I would love suggestions on make and model if there are any that are better for one reason or another.
As always, thanks!!
—
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
The cabin top hatches are Bowmar the side windows are a Lewmar size 1 I just ordered 4 of these from Catalina Direct to replace on my MK1. Note I have 4 while you have 2.
[url]http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&produ...
[url]http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&produ...
Z2430 was the Catalog number for the side lens replacement but I do not see it on their website this AM?
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Hey Gary, thanks for the reply. The cast aluminum hatches look like an exact match for the smaller hatches on the cabin roof, and I will try to find the replacement lenses for that Lewmar opening port. Thanks for that.
Any idea what part make/model the large hatch aft of the mast would be? The dimensions in the second link seem like it is essentially the same size as the small hatch, and I know the main cabin hatch on the C36 is slightly larger.
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
I replaced the foreward hatch lens on my 1989 C36 a couple of years ago. It was easy, and not very expensive. The lenses in the hatch over the head and the main cabin are constructed similar to the front cabin hatch on my boat.
The lens replacement can be done without removing the hatch frame from the boat.
Here are the steps.
1. Cut straight down both sides of the seal bead around the edge of the lens with a utility knife. The cut will be about 3/8" or more deep down to the aluminum flange inside the frame. After cutting to both sides of the seal, dig it out with a screwdriver or something. Then the lens can be pried out. Mine came out easily after the outside seal was removed.
2. The next step is to remove any sealant from the old lens and glue the thing back together if it is broken. The old lens will be used as a pattern to cut out the new lens.
3. Take the pattern to a plastics supplier. I would also take one of the hatch latches and explain how it fits in the holes so they will get the hole size right. I used TAP plastics near my home in Portland Oregon, but I think most any plastics shop will work. Ask them to cut out a new lens the same size as the old one out of cast acrylic. They have the tools to do the job quickly, I picked mine up the next day. Choose the color of lens you like. Don't try to match the old one because color changes quite a bit over time. The new lens cost about $75 as I recall.
4. Remove the old adhesive from the frame. I used a razor blade and cut as much of the old adhesive off as I could. Then I scrubbed with silicon adhesive remover and a 3M pad. Finally I sanded the surface where new sealant must stick.
5. If your hatch gasket is hard or damaged, this is a good time to replace it. Mine was OK so I left it.
6. The new hatch lens will come with paper on both sides. Remove a band of the paper that would be under the gasket when the lens is installed. Leave all of the other paper on the hatch until installation is complete. Sand the outside edge all around the lens. Don't touch the outside edge after sanding as oil from you finger might weaken the adhesive bond.
7. Mask the outside of the hatch frame right up to the sealant surface. Put the lens in place and use a few spacers around the edge to center the lens in the frame. Then fill the groove completely up with Dow Corning 795 silicone sealant, and leave a substantial bead on top. There may be other sealants that will work but do not try to use GE Silicone from one of the box stores!!! I tried that on the hatch over my head and it took months to set.
I found it useful to read about application of the 795 sealant on Dow Cornings web site. It took about 1 tube of sealant to do the hatch.
8. Let the sealant cure for about a week, then cut the excess sealant off with a razor blade and remove the masking tape from the frame and paper from the lens.
I also replaced all of the opening hatch lenses. I removed one of the lenses and took it to the plastics place and asked them to make 4 copies for me. They were not very busy, and it took about 10 minutes for them to cut them out. The cost was around $35 as I recall.
Gary Teeter
1989 C36 "AnnieG"
Std Rig #966, M25xp
Everett, WA
Gary, that's a great idea! I think I'll pull that main cabin hatch and refurb it. I hadn't thought about pulling the lense and replacing it.
I might just go that route on all of them if it works out and save a few bucks. I'm still going to pull the frames to rebed them, but I might look into refurbing the frames as well with a powder coat.
Thanks again guys for the help, more to follow on this when I get a chance to pull these hatches.
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
[url]http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&produ...
Believe this is the one over the main cabin
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Quote from the webpage: [I]"This hatch was likely used on other Catalina models as well but was not recorded"[/I]
It's really interesting to learn about how many non-standard components were used from hull to hull. When I think of an assembly line in a factory, I think of standardized processes and components, but that really isn't the case with yachts. I've learned a lot about the boat building process since owning this boat. It's really interesting, but it provides no shortage of headaches in instances like this.
I'll give them a call when I get back to the states. Thanks for the link Gary.
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
Yes I have to agree with your observation. Catalina kept notes sometimes on what they used and perhaps moreso today. Catalina Direct has done a pretty good job of having the correct information and the right part. As time goes on and the fact that Catalina is one of the most prolific builders of saiboats certain components change. Keeping track of all I suspect becomes a challenge. Good luck on your updating.
PS if the lense to your cabin top hatch is not crazed or cracked I have tried the scratch remover that is on the market to clean it. Also if you have noticed the auto industry with the new headlights are advertising polish to remove road deposit and scratches, perhaps that would be all you need.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine