Just wanted to clarify my installation of hatches. I went the Bomar route through thriftymariner. Jeff was a real pleasure to work with.

With the Bomar, you have 2 options.

1. You may be able to get the original hatches (plastic Models) that are exactly what are in the J30. Jeff will give you a discount if you mention this website. It is best call him Jeff @ The Thrifty Mariner
813-625-8466
Cell 813-243-1378

2. However, I went the other route. I decided that I only wanted to replace the hatches once, so I went with the aluminum. However, It did require me to cut some glass. Don't worry, I didn't want to do it a first. However, once you start cutting, it gets easier. Keep in mind that the Bomar hatches are 1/3 the cost of the lewmar hatches delivered! Installed, they look great!! The hatches cover any blemishes in your craftmenship.

My partners and I are interested in your hatch replacment. Could you tell me which aluminum hatches were used and how much they cost. Also what bedding compound was used? Are the hatches strong enough to support the weight of a 200 pound foredeck crew member?

I have a question, for the 11/5/00 and 11/6/00 posting about Lewmar hatches. It is stated that the Lewmar 60 with flange fit the opening and also that the 60 with out flange bolts over the opening. I agree that the no flange hatch will fit over the opening with no problems, but how well does the flange hatch fit in the opening? Did it fit right in? Need modification to the opening? If so how much?
There are no non flange hatches in stock at Lewmar. They need to got them from Europe.

If ordering the alumium hatches from Jeff at thrifty marine, just mention this web site and you will get a discount. As for the sizes, the smaller ones where #10s, while the forward hatch is a 20X20. I don't remember the exact hatch number, but the cost was somewhere in the $310 range for all three hatches delivered. To install, Use 5200!!

The Lewmar hatches WITH flange will not fit without grinding out gelcoat.

The Lewmar hatches WITHOUT flange simply surface mount on the deck. No gelcoat mods are required. It's a fairly easy installation - all you need is a drill, some polysulfide caulk, and a screw driver and cresent wrench.

I bought my Lewmar's from West Marine - they were in stock at West's wharehouse.