Bomar / Lexan hatch advice please

[Sundays_Child]

On catching a rope from a fuel barge I managed to go through one of my hatches. Thankfully it split creating a big scraping bruise rather than a jagged hospitalising gouge!

In replacing the hatch, it has been suggested to me (by the repairer) that some lexan be put in place of the broken material. This is supposedly stronger and when/if it fails is less likely to result in injury.

The thing is, the cost is 80% of just getting a new Bomar hatch installed.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[Bandit]

You dont say what the original material was toughened glass or I assume perspex.

Lexan or Macrolon polycarbonates as used in riot shields and bullet proof glass. It is extreemly strong and very difficult to split or shatter and all in all much stronger than perspex. Unfortunately it is softer and more prone to scratching than perspex. I tried to cut some waste polycarbonate with a full sized wood axe to fit it in a dustbin, no chance you have to saw it.

If you want a stronger hatch from the point of view of someone falling through it or a sea breaking it go for polycarbonate.

One of my hatches years ago was perspex and crazed with sunlight and i replaced it with polycarbonate and it worked fine.

 

[Sundays_Child]

Original looked to be tinted perspex.

Thank you very much for your advice.