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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Forward plexiglas hatch

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David Scott
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/06/2007 : 23:53:12

I have a crack in my forward plexiglas hatch(C25#5973).Its a Bomar trapozoid type and Catalina Direct says it has a replacement for $169. The problem is the lack of accurate records as what hatches fit what hull number. Mine measures real close to the stated dimensions but its hard to get an exact measurement without dismantling hatch. Has anyone purchased one of these from CD? Hatches like windows need to fit exactly or it may ruin your day. Thanks in advance for any info...Dave

Dave Scott 89wk/sr #5973

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 09:24:50

My plexiglass hatch has a leak, and I have to reseal it. The plexiglass is bedded it with sealer. What if you just removed it and used it as a template to make a new window? Of course this assumes you have access to a plexiglass supplier.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 11:40:11

I agree with Frank, just use it for a template. Take it to a glass place....they normally work with P-glass as well. Cheers.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 12:02:41

Would tempered, smoked glass be better than plexiglas?

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 12:55:30

I'm guessing the scratch factor would be better. But, I wonder about being able to stand on it.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 12:58:08

Would you want to stand on it if it were plexiglas?

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 13:03:18

I wouldn't want to stand on it intentionally but I think it would hold my 200lbs better than the glass in the event of a misplaced step. But, my thought is really more of a question.

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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 16:20:22

I suspect most of the 88-89's are in for this kind of work. The seal on mine has shrunk to the point it does not seal. I also have cracks around the dogs that have just started to leak. A "kit" from cd would be ideal. I have looked at rebuilding the front hats and I think this will be the year. I would rather spend $150-200 vice the $400 for a new one.

Tom.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 16:27:09

I've read that lexan is stronger and more impact-resistant than plexiglass, and is therefore used for racecar windshields and some other high-stress applications.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2007 : 22:33:20

I hate the damn thing. It lets in way too much light and makes the boat hot. I do like the quick-dogs. Mine leaked around the frame when i bought it. It tried to remove the hatch to reseal it but it must be installed with 5200. I gave up and simply caulked around it and it has been dry. I bought a custom sunbrella cover for the hatch with a thermal liner, and it is a permanent fixture now. It would stop any plexiglas leaks.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2007 : 07:49:02

Well Frank, this is one of the rare times I'll disagree with you. I really like the light coming in. What if you put some of that mirror film on the inside to reflect back some heat?

Some of the leaks come from the O-ring on the exterior of the hatch dogs (latches). Replacing them cured some of my leak problem. I also bought some new rubber gasket from CD.

I have stepped on mine (I'm 200 lbs) and didn't go through. I don't make a habit of it, but as Captain Ron says.........

I wouldn't get tempered glass, besides I don't think you can cut it after the tempering process anyways.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2007 : 07:51:24

Wouldn't you know it, a plexiglass link just popped up on the left side. Maybe they can help us out.

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2007 : 09:14:29

If you going to make a replacement insert use lexan.
I've made replacement ports using smoke tint lexan on a previous boat, its not hard to work with. I cut it with a standard jig saw. It's much stronger than regular ole plexiglass and will hold up better. If it were me, I'd be checking on e-bay. When I checked with the glass stores to make my ports they were going to charge me for a whole sheet of lexan at $100's and only use a small section of it. Thats when I looked on e-bay and found pieces big enough and the tint I wanted for about $20 bucks and did it myself.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 04/08/2007 09:21:11

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2007 : 12:19:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 I wouldn't get tempered glass, besides I don't think you can cut it after the tempering process anyways.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The glass is cut before being tempered.

The previous owner of my boat made a replacement window from some tinted, non-glass product and not only was it a different tint than the other glass windows, it became heavily crazed. I took it to a glass shop where they used it as a template to make a tempered glass replacement window for $39.00.

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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2007 : 21:28:58

I have read that plexiglass is much more uv resistant than lexan. It scratches easier but heck, it lasted 18yrs with no cover. If I get another 18, I will be more than pleased. Any thoughts on the lexan VS Plexiglass?

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2007 : 12:29:42

Lexan is far stronger - bullet proof in fact and is used in aviation windows.

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