[C38] Forward hatch replacement??

[Charles Finn]

My problem with our hatch was it leaves the forward area of our boat in 
the dark.  Once my wife "discovered" other boats had smoked plexiglass 
hatches forward... this became a priority!  I purchased a piece of 
smoked plexiglass, cut out the bulk of the hatch and used that as a form 
to heat and mold the cut plexi.  I then routed a shoulder in the hatch 
and set the glass.  The result is light in the forward berth and the 
ability to see the weather from the comfort of a warm berth!
I have stepped, sat, even fell on the hatch, resulting only in scratches 
which are pretty easy to remove.  So, I have not had a problem with 
strength.  My problem has been leaking!  I tried all sorts of solutions 
and always tended to end up with a wet berth in heavy weather with waves 
over the bow (just when you need your sleep).  I finally ordered the 
hatch gasket from Catalina Direct, but gluing it in and having it stay 
is an ongoing process.
I have looked through all my photos and do not have one of the hatch.  I 
will take some when I next visit, but that is over a month away.

Chuck Finn
Mighty Quinn #114
Great Lakes

Glenn 401 855 4355 wrote:
> I am interested to know if anyone has ever replaced their FBG forward 
> hatch with a more robust, rectangular, standard Lewmar hatch or 
> equivalent?
> I would LOVE to make a switch to a 25x25" hatch even though I know 
> this would require some significant work.
> Hence, if anyone has such an experience, I would love to learn before 
> I move forward.
>
> thanks
> Glenn
> POIA #13
>
>
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