The first photo shows environmental degradation of the polyester resin on the forward hatch, resulting from the omission of gelcoat protection to allow light into the forward cabin through the translucent polyester. The white patches are glass fibers exposed by the degradation of the polyester matrix which embedded them.
<img src="http://reefroof.com/OldHatch.jpg" ALT="Degradation of the forward hatch">
The second and third photos show the reconstruction. The damaged center section was cut out, and an overlapping smoked 3/8" acrylic panel placed. There is an 4" Nicro solar/battery vent installed in the hatch.
<img src="http://reefroof.com/FwdHatchOpen.jpg" ALT="Reconstructed Forward Hatch, Open">
It was necessary to insert teak spacers under the deck mounted hinges to compensate for the thickness of the acrylic, so the hatch would open properly.
<img src="http://reefroof.com/FwdHatchClosed.jpg" ALT="Reconstructed Forward Hatch, Closed"></img>
Stan Freihofer
1981 CD 25 #794
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
www.ReefRoof.com
CD 25 Forward Hatch Reconstruction
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sfreihofer
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- Joined: Dec 6th, '07, 22:05
- Location: 1981 Cape Dory 25 #794, S/V PEARL
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CD 25 Forward Hatch Reconstruction
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