Good afternoon. I have recently purchased a 1984 J30. The hatches are what I believe to be OEM. They're black plastic and are pretty well sun rotted to the point that they're brittle and some small leaks have started. I would like to find a more robust replacement. However, just like everything I'm learning (new to sailing), there's a lot more to it than I originally thought.
First, I would like the hatch to be watertight while not snagging sails or other rigging...Wait, first, I would like to find one that will fit what I believe to be OEM cutouts. The forward hatch being something like 19-7/8" square. Second, I would like them robust and long-lived. Third, I would like them to compliment the looks of the boat. She is white with light pearl grey nonskid. The toe rails and mast are black and all bright work has been replaced by stainless. Stainless would be ideal for looks, except it seems that most I have seen in stainless don't have reinforced windows. Next choice would be cast aluminum with a clear or black anodize. I'm not sure what material, construction, brand, or profile I should go for. I've been looking at Lewmar and Bomar.
Can anyone please chime in here?
Thanks,
Nate
