On my 1980, I also had to "build" 2 new hatches.

I used MDO (medium density overlay), and laminated it on both sides with an off white Formica that I picked up inexpensively at Home Depot, as they had a damaged piece, and I just cut away the damaged area. Then, I routed out a shallow channel, to accept a closed cell foam gasket to seal the hatch against the metal trim. The final touch was trimming around the outside with a thin piece of teak. :wink:

 

I have used King Starboard to replace the hatches on my '78. Easy to work with, and it will never rot or delaminate.

 

Another 1980 here. My anchor locker hatch was only an unattached piece of plywood when I got the boat. It had a non-working windlass bolted on. I wound up adding a couple of layers of marine plywood then sealing the deck shut - except for a small hole for rope from a new windlass.

The cabin hatch on mine is a 3/4 inch plexiglass. I don't think they were clear to begin with. But I had serious sun damage inside because the sun went right through that plexiglas. I attached a 1/4 inch piece of smoked acrylic on top of the plexiglass. It cuts the sun by 90% (they tell me) and looks good.

I didn't find anybody making hatches in the same sizes as they did back then, so replacing one is pretty difficult.

 

I knew somebody had already solved this problem!
So where can one buy some King Starboard or blank acrylic stock? Ought to be easy to cut to size, route a gasket groove and mount. Thanks,

 

I've seen starboard for sale on ebay. Their website is http://www.kingstarboard.com. You can search for dealers.

They only list 2 when I entered "KY" but I have seen it at Hearn Marine in Florence, KY. Hern is a boat dealer that has a store with lots of supplies. You might want to try you local marine shop.

 

was out at my local marine store and notice that had another product called "marine Lumber" from Taco.

Here is a link.

http://www.tacomarine.com/cat--Marine-Lumber--marinelumber.html

 

I had the ones on my 26 re-made out of planked teak. Goes nicely with the rest of the boat.

 

Some of the big marine chains stock starboard. The one problem with that is that most caulks and glues don't stick to it too well.

We're lucky to have a couple of plastics places here around New York, but you can probably also find it at craft stores or art supply stores - including colleges. Plexiglas and acrylic can be cut on a table saw.

 

I bought a new 1979 26 Express. The original anchor locker hatch was a piece of composite material with a thin layer of white formica like material for surface trim. The edges were a thin piece of teak trim that was stapled on. There was a button latch you pushed down to open. The materials had a life of about 6-7 years before starting to delaminate. Modern replacements will be far superior. The heavy plexiglass hatch over the v-berth was actually pretty cool looking. The seal was not good however and it leaked badly in heavy rain.

 

I bought a new 1979 26 Express. The original anchor locker hatch was a piece of composite material with a thin layer of white formica like material for surface trim. The edges were a thin piece of teak trim that was stapled on. There was a button latch you pushed down to open. The materials had a life of about 6-7 years before starting to delaminate. Modern replacements will be far superior. The heavy plexiglass hatch over the v-berth was actually pretty cool looking. The seal was not good however and it leaked badly in heavy rain.

My '76 still has those composite hatches and they are actually still in good shape.

I found a source for the board and lexan/acrylic on ebay and I think I'll just go that route. They'll cut 7 sell you the size you want.

Thanks guys!

 

My '76 still has those composite hatches and they are actually still in good shape.

I found a source for the board and lexan/acrylic on ebay and I think I'll just go that route. They'll cut 7 sell you the size you want.

Thanks guys!

Do you have any pictures of the composite anchor locker hatch? I would really like to see a picture or two.

 

My forward acrylic hatch had a broke hinge and after several attemps to replace it I had the orginal heli-arched and it works great now. The rope locker hatch was badly deteriated plywood when I first got the boat. i took it off and built a new one. It lasted a year and delaminated (was not marine plywood) so I went and got a teak plank and cut it into three pieces and doweled and glued it together. i used the old one as a pattern and matched as close as I could. other than expense ($ 70.00) it looks great. If you look at the bow pulpit (which I also rebuilt) I am wondering if the anchor lochor hatch was also orginally like it.

http://www.old-navy-guy.com/html/boat_repairs.html

If you need help, let me know.

 

Sure. The boat is stripped down right now. R&R fuel tank, new carpet, seats, etc. Give me a little while and I'll get you some pics.

 

Hi !

I see you have a 1978 240WE on your list of boats. Do you still operate that boat?
What engine do you or did you have in it? I've been working on my 1977 240WE.
Lots of small things to repair. But it is still a fun boat to use.

 

We do. She didn't get wet last year though. I love the look of that model but with two kids the Sundancer suits us better for nights on the water even though the Weekender's lines are nicer.

This one has the 350 chevy (Merc 233 I think?) and MC outdrive. Has the pedestal captains chairs up front. Has stove and fridge, pretty complete except for some missing interior teak trim that I haven't been able to find. I did a lot of little things to it after we got her. PO had the hull painted in Imron which I don't care for.

We've decided to sell this one and keep the biggest and littlest. Too many boats and unfortunately the WE is the inbetween. Love those lines though...

 

I just made one for my '82 SRV 260. Check out my post in this forum titled "Anchor Hatch Recreation".

 

Coral, When you gonna make me one of those bad boys?
Billy

 

LOL!!! Trust me...if I can make one, anyone can! I bought everything from West Marine. Took about an hour. Do you have the hinge?

 

Yeah I have the whole hatch but the laminate is starting to peel away and i think the board is rotton underneath. Def one of the last things on the list though. I was just trying to get the expert to make me one!
Billy