J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Replacing Bowmar Hatches with Lewmar - experiences?

Hi there-

Sorry for the slow response.

I used the Ocean series. As suggested, the other models a.) don't fit as cleanly and b.) aren't as solid as the Ocean hatch. I used the non-flange model. Folks that have used the flange model had to grind fiberglass to make them fit. Seemed excessive to me.

I removed the old hatch, filled the existing Bowmar holes with a thickened epoxy (thick enough not to run everywhere, think enough to fill any voids).

I'm more of a Sikaflex fan than 4200. I used that, new fasteners as per spec that came with the hatch that required new holes.

I did it in a two-day period that was dry. Pulled old hatch, cleaned deck area of residual sealant, and filled old holes. Tarped/covered the hatch over night for epoxy to kick. Then, next AM, came back and faired/fix any little epoxy areas that may have expanded out of the holes, etc., located hatch, drilled new holes (mark your drill bit - you don't want to go through the deck if I recall), layed down a nice bead of sealant, and tightened new fasteners in an opposite/alternating pattern.

Hope this helps! It's well worth the change. So much better.

Also - depending on the chandlery you're going through, check to make sure they have the hatches in stock. Lewmar, being a UK-based vendor, may have to ship these which can take a while...

Good luck!
- Jeff

I replaced all my hatches with Lewmar when I bought Skimmer in 2000.
I just chose what seemed the closest in size. Regular not low profile.
All worked out great, no cutting. No leaks.

Thanks for the feedback folks. I've found a deal on an Ocean series 60 hatch for the V-berth and will be ordering the Ocean series 10s to replace the head and salon hatches. I have noticed however that the cutout size for the ocean 10 series is supposed to be 10 1/16 x 10 1/16. I measured my head and salon hatch openings and they measured 9 5/8 inches square. I am worried that the smaller opening might interfere with the hinges and handles.

Can any of you who installed the Ocean 10s verify your hatch opening dimensions? Just want to be super careful before ordering.

I am rebedding the forward hatch. Which to use: Sikaflex, 4200 or butyl tape?