Deck Hatch and glass everywhere

[MExcelsior]

Well... my kids seem to have a habit of breaking those things on my boat that are hard to replace. We were underway at 35 mph into a wind and one of the kids opens up the deck hatch. To make a long story short, the wind catches the hatch, break off the support arms and folds back... crashing all the way back onto the deck... shattering the glass.

This will be a great fix........ since I believe the whole unit needs to be replaced.

Any recommendations? Has anyone worked on these before?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike

 

[sbw1]

If it's a bomar hatch, go to their website. Parts are readily available. The light can be rebedded.

 

[fwebster]

Sea Ray is using some proprietary hatch sizes now, so be careful. It might be best to get a dealer to check with Sea Ray for the exact part oem vendor part number. Neither the dealer nor Sea Ray wants to mess with a part for an existing hatch, so don't ask for the whole thing.......just ask for the top frame and I bet you can get enough info to source it on your own.

 

[MExcelsior]

Sea Ray is using some proprietary hatch sizes now, so be careful. It might be best to get a dealer to check with Sea Ray for the exact part oem vendor part number. Neither the dealer nor Sea Ray wants to mess with a part for an existing hatch, so don't ask for the whole thing.......just ask for the top frame and I bet you can get enough info to source it on your own.

Hi Frank,

Thanks for the help. I just got the info and will post in case anyone needs a replacement someday (Sundancer 280). Reminder to owners, wind can break the support arms and potentially the glass when the cover flips back and hits the deck.

Before 2007, they used a Taylor Ultra II 2020. The entire unit needs replacement because the hinge is welded. (Can't just replace the cover with glass). They will replace with the current Taylor Ultra III 2020, which of course, does have a removable hinge. So in the future, if this happens, it might be a little easier to replace just the cover depending on the availability. Searay uses a version that has "no clips" so that they can put on a separate privacy screen which is made by Ocean Air.

However, I think the difficult part will actually be replacing the hatch since I currently have no clue. (Removing 5200 silicone permanent sealant is probably not going to be easy). If anyone has done this, PLEASE POST. If not, hopefully I can update to this thread what I've learned.

Mike

 

[boatmailster]

Hi Frank,

Thanks for the help. I just got the info and will post in case anyone needs a replacement someday (Sundancer 280). Reminder to owners, wind can break the support arms and potentially the glass when the cover flips back and hits the deck.

Before 2007, they used a Taylor Ultra II 2020. The entire unit needs replacement because the hinge is welded. (Can't just replace the cover with glass). They will replace with the current Taylor Ultra III 2020, which of course, does have a removable hinge. So in the future, if this happens, it might be a little easier to replace just the cover depending on the availability. Searay uses a version that has "no clips" so that they can put on a separate privacy screen which is made by Ocean Air.

However, I think the difficult part will actually be replacing the hatch since I currently have no clue. (Removing 5200 silicone permanent sealant is probably not going to be easy). If anyone has done this, PLEASE POST. If not, hopefully I can update to this thread what I've learned.

Mike

Sea Ray doesn't use 5200 on deck hatches (they went cheap way and use self-adhesive foam gasket - this is the reason why those hatches start leaking after few months)
Just remove screws, cut any silicone underside hatch (between hatch frame and screen and pull out hatch. Remove all foam gasket from hatch frame and deck. Install new hatch using good quality silicone or some other bedding sealant. Don't forget to fill screw holes with silicone. Reseal hath from inside cabin.

 

[JV II]

What were the consequences for your kid?

 

[Two Peas]

Why was a child down in the cabin in a 280 while you were doing 35 mph into a wind?

 

[Summerwind]

Any recommendations? Has anyone worked on these before?

Yea, I worked on my on kids before, I ducked taped their grubby little hands together.

 

[Alex D]

Well... my kids seem to have a habit of breaking those things on my boat that are hard to replace. We were underway at 35 mph into a wind and one of the kids opens up the deck hatch. To make a long story short, the wind catches the hatch, break off the support arms and folds back... crashing all the way back onto the deck... shattering the glass.

This will be a great fix........ since I believe the whole unit needs to be replaced.

Any recommendations? Has anyone worked on these before?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike

First I would keelhaul my kids !! :smt013 Then make them pay for the replacement.

 

[fc3]

This is why parts that might have to be replaced someday should not be bedded with 3M 5200.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[MExcelsior]

What were the consequences for your kid?

No consequences. My 13-year-old was down below putting away some watermelon and decided to open the hatch to let some air in. It happens and we live and learn. We know what to do in the future.... just yet another "not to do" for the boat. : )

BTW, we have always had a rule never to stand and look out the hatch while underway. Our dock neighbor a number of years ago got hurt by slamming his face and neck into the edge when they hit a wake on his boat. (Yes... we can also learn from others).

Thanks,

ME

 

[johngus]

i would not use 5200 for this.5200 is a bit permanent.i would use a quality caulk like boat life.

 

[RobF300]

your actually NOT supposed to use 5200 on deck hatches.

If its just the plexi that broke why cant you have a plastic shop cut you a new piece?
I have done this dozens of times. Or is the whole hatch damaged?

 

[MExcelsior]

your actually NOT supposed to use 5200 on deck hatches.

If its just the plexi that broke why cant you have a plastic shop cut you a new piece?
I have done this dozens of times. Or is the whole hatch damaged?

I thought about going plexi, but decided that the replacement unit would be worth it. It wasn't near as much as I thought.

 

[papertrail]

whats the biggie? my kids are in the cabin while underway all the time. Am i missing something?:huh:

 

[srt8mag]

whats the biggie? my kids are in the cabin while underway all the time. Am i missing something?:huh:

I must be missing something too.

 

[skolbe]

Mine are too, I have no freaking clue why it would be an issue. In fact, many times it is the safest place for them to be.

You kid is on the windshield of a plane! Funny!

 

[K-9]

no!

 

[Two Peas]

I wouldn't have my kids in the cabin at 35mph ever. Exactly what are they holding on to when you encounter a large wave or even a wake?

Haven't you ever opened your cabin after running at speed for awhile only to find your fridge and cupboards have spilled their contents? I don't want my kids bouncing around down there like ping pong balls.

At displacement speed I get it. No problem. At 35mph? You've got to be kidding. How could they see a wave or wake coming in order to prepare to hold on? A 280 might seem big, but it still can get banged around.

 

[Two Peas]

I'm not insulting anyone - I'm reacting to the post. The OP said he was in a 280DA going 35mph into a wind. Sounds like it could be bumpy. Anytime there is turbulence on a commercial airliner, the captain turns on the seatbelt sign and asks everyone to return to their seats. In my experience on my past 280DA, I wouldn't have my kids below at that speed.

It sounds unsafe to me, and my first interest is the safety of my family. Below decks on a smallish boat like the 280DA, you can't see the horizon, you can't see what's ahead, and you can't anticipate the captain's moves. Therefore, how can you protect yourself from a sudden jolt arising from wave, wake, traffic, or course change?

Just my .02. Isn't that what this site is supposed to be about? Jeesh!