FOrward hatch replacement

[tonyiiiafl]

With a few weeks to uncovering the old girl, I am planning on working under the shrink wrap this weekend and replace the forward Bowmar hatch. This was the one that was ripped off in the October Nor Easter here on Cape Cod. Getting the old one off will be a little tedious to break any adhesive that is holding it on.

However, what would you all suggest that I use as a sealer when I install the new hatch? Silkaflex? 4200?

Suggestions welcomed!

Thank you!

[Midnightsun]

I have always used Sikaflex for hatches and windows. This is what I was told to use way back and have always stuck with it (pun intended) I would use a general one such as Sikaflex 291.

[tonyiiiafl]

Thank you. I have some that I was going to use for my solar install but uses 4200 instead. Hoping the old one comes off easily.

[tonyiiiafl]

I have a tube of 252 I was going to use on my solar install. What do you think of 252?

[Midnightsun]

You may be overthinking this, 291, 4200 or 252 will work fine in your application. Just apply a small bead, just enough to seal out rain water. As long as it is not a permanent type like 5200 you will be on the right track. Sticking to the fiberglass is not an issue as anything will stick and the same goes for the hatch assuming it is aluminum. My hatch was plastic so silicone was out of the question however any of the 3 mentioned above would work well.

[bud37]

Just to add, clean the mating surfaces real well, especially if someone has put silicone of some type in there....

[tonyiiiafl]

Thank you. I do tend to keep things in the “design” stage too long before going into operation mode.

[tonyiiiafl]

DONE. 1.75 hours. That Silkaflex was brutal to squeeze out of a caulking gun!

Out with the old inWith the new. Our hatch was destroyed during the October 2021 storm. Finally got a replacement and the installation went great. Yes prep is 99% of the success. And I added the Bomar combo shade/screen inside piece. No more insterting screen and also can use shade to keep sun out during the hot days of summer. One step closer to launch day. Yes Admiral is happy as she got the new hatch and the combo sceeem shade. Always keep the admiral happy. Always.

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[Viper]

Good job

[RGrew176]

Looks good. Nice job.