Hatch Arm Replacement

[brewster16]

My master stateroom hatch arm is bent and needs to be replaced. My question specifically is how to attach the new arms to the hatch frame (20 inch trapezoidal). It appears to be riveted. I really don't want to guess and screw up my original frame. Does anyone know if you drill out the rivets to replace the arm? Do you need to remove the entire hatch from the boat to do this job? What is the procedure (if you can be specific all the better.).

 

[Riptide III]

Following

 

[Gallf1]

IF.....IF...you have to drill out the rivets:
Get a new HSS (High Speed Steel) drill bit the same size of the rivet (most likely 3/16"). Place the tip of the drill bit in the center of the rivet and start to drill. The rivet will eventually start to spin inside the hatch frame but start to slowly angle your drill bit in a circular motion , the sides of the drill bit will start to chew on the "button" or head of the rivet. Eventually the button or head of the rivet falls off from the drilling and the drill bit pushes the rivet body through the frame.
If not, get a 3/16" punch and push the body of the rivet back into the frame. Install new hardware and reinstall new rivet.

Whatever slight scaring is made from the spinning rivet will be covered by the new hardware and rivet.

 

[brewster16]

I've now ordered the replacement Taylor-Made Ultra III hatch arms and still need some input from anyone that has done this. Yes, I've drilled/popped rivets in other applications but need to know the procedure for this hatch arm replacement. Anyone that has replaced their hatch arms please feel for to chime in.....

 

[brewster16]

I ordered the WRONG hatch arms....it's the Ultra II hatch arms I need.

 

[Freebird535]

Were you able to get ultra iii arms to work?

 

[Mjresq4]

I ordered the WRONG hatch arms....it's the Ultra II hatch arms I need.

Do you remember what the difference is? Aside from $100 more for the Ultra II's. I need 4 in total so the price difference adds up. I have one bad one in the stateroom and one over the helm but if I have to remove the hatch to replace the rivets I might as well do them all while they are out.

 

[brewster16]

I don’t remember. But I’ll find out and get back to you