I'm sure some folks have replaced this hatch. Looking for all/any information on replacment...winter project. Many Thanks

Since there are no replies...does anyone believe that the sliding hatch for the J30 was used on other J/Boats? Any help is greatly appreicated. Thanks

Quite possibly on the J/29. A former TPI worker told me that when they were making J/29s they shared J/30 production molds.

Try checking with Alan Veenstra at Chicago Sailing Club with contact info here: http://www.j30.org/html/market/boats.html

He just parted out an old J/30 they had. Maybe he has the sliding hatch. If you speak with him, verify which hull he parted out #119 or #346

Sorry for the delay... was traveling. Mark, the hatch TRACK is still available at Pearson in Warren RI, just picked them up while I was at the NAs. The actual fiberglass "board" if you will is different than the 29s and the newer J/Boats... they are smaller and flat... Or maybe its just mine that is bowed? Anyway, I thought about mine when I was refurbing J.Doe... as it had never even been painted I have now awlgrip to match the deck... much better. Can yours be salvaged?

My sliding hatch (board is you will) is bowed too. It is still operational, but it has turned a dirty yellow/brown that does not allow light to enter. I would like to get more light into the cabin, thus my desire to replace. So much to do and so little time. I may just give T-Pearson a call to see what they call tell or call the J Man.

The companionway cover on Rhapsody is also the "yellow-brown" color, almost opaque to light. I just attributed it to the original design, as I never saw one that didn't look the same. If you want more light with the hatch cover closed, consider making lexan hatch boards. I know some have wooden hatch boards that block all light. I've got lexan boards with teak trim. I'm actually replacing the pieces of cracked teak this winter and will be refinishing the old teak. A basement project for when it is freezing outside.

UMMM.... yeah, they are all that unfinished yellowed resin color. I painted mine... The hatch boards are the best bet... smoke lets in a filtered daylight...which is nice in the tropics... up in the cold white north you may be looking at clear... lets in a ton of light...

I just changed mine this week. Tinted acrylic with the same shape as the old yellow fiberglass original. Lots of light now! A custom mold was made and the result is great, only small sanding on the edge was necessary to have the hatch slide perfectly. I have made two. email me if interested. I can also send pictures.

Yes, i would be interested in pics, sources for material etc
thanks
Charlie

I am interested also. I sent you a pm but no answer?