Hatches

[Ron Musk]

I need to install new Lexan in the two hatches on a CD30.The way the frame is designed the screw holes are very close to the edge of the plastic.On the old light at almost every hole location the Lexan was broken away to the outside of the screwhole.Anyone have experience on the proper way to install Lexan in Bomar hatches to avoid breakage as I mentioned ? Pro or con .....just relying on sealant to glue the plastic to the aluminum frame.Advice is appreciated.
Ron Musk
s/v"R&R"
CD30c



ccerre@massed.net

[Patrick Turner]

It seems to me that the Lexan is just held in place with the sealant. I have sold my CD30 so can't remember just how it was setup on that boat. I now have a CD36 and the lexan on these hatches is just held in place. I will be replacing my Lexan soon.

Pat



patrick.t@home.com

[Ron Musk]

It seems to me that the Lexan is just held in place with the sealant. I have sold my CD30 so can't remember just how it was setup on that boat. I now have a CD36 and the lexan on these hatches is just held in place. I will be replacing my Lexan soon.

Pat

The frame on the hatches has flats in the casting for screws.I wonder if they were originally for machine screws,what I removed were self tapping but it was clear whomever did the last installation was a hacker.
Ron



ccerre@massed.net

[John R.]

I need to install new Lexan in the two hatches on a CD30.The way the frame is designed the screw holes are very close to the edge of the plastic.On the old light at almost every hole location the Lexan was broken away to the outside of the screwhole.Anyone have experience on the proper way to install Lexan in Bomar hatches to avoid breakage as I mentioned ? Pro or con .....just relying on sealant to glue the plastic to the aluminum frame.Advice is appreciated.
Ron Musk
s/v"R&R"
CD30c

If I remember correctly I recall that Bomar makes a special two part glazing sealant that is used to set those plexi panels in place. If you look closely at the sealant in a factory original hatch frame you will note the sealant looks extremely smooth as though it was self leveling and that it apparently was poured into the space around the perimeter of the plexi, at least that's how it looks to me. I think I read about the two part sealant on this site or Cruising Worlds site. Check the archives of both or call Bomar and ask them directly.

[Jon]

What shape are the screws?

If the heads are bevelled, the previous owner was essentially driving a wedge into the Lexan - of course it will break. I think they should be flat or pan head screws that will just hold the Lexan down without splitting it.

Just a guess,

Jon

[Olli Wendelin]

I cut a replacement for mine from Lexan sheet, using the old one to match the size and hole locations. The screws were round head machine screws. The size of several screws had to be increased because the holes had previously been stripped. I used clear silicone bathroom caulk for the sealant.

Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC



wendelin@spawar.navy.mil