Hatches; any recommendations?

[[2574]]

I need a new hatch ~ it's the exposed and large foredeck hatch so I'm after top quality. Lewmar comes to mind but I see that Vetus also do some decent looking kit. Does anybody have any personal experience and therefore recommendations?

By the way - I had the existing hatch reglazed but it has leaked since. Having become overwhelmingly bored with removing it and returning to the local firm I used to do the original reglaze I sent it elsewhere to an acknowledged expert in the subject. It turns out that the hatch is not reglazeable (because of the method of construction) but by far worse than that is that the local repair guy had replaced the 12mm perspex with 6mm. I had always suspected this to be the case - as it seemed more flexible than the original perspex - but the local contractor has always claimed it was the same size - it wasn't. Very scary - the strength reduction factor from 12mm to 6mm is huge and this on the large foredeck hatch. I'm surprised any firm would make this change and deny it - boats and lives are at risk.

rob

 

[Channel Ribs]

I am a fan of the Vetus Planus and have fitted them without any problems, a nice stright forward and reliable hatch.

 

[Talulah]

I have a Lewmar Ocean hatch which has a crack in it. The crack runs from one corner of the hatch to the vent hole. Hence I to have considered the options of either getting it reglazed via Eagle Windows. (£165 + shipping each way) or replacing it.
However, I do not particularly like the new style Lewmar Ocean Hatch as the method to keep the hatch open (same method on all the Lewmar range) intrudes on the open area. The old style model I have uses a ratchet mechanism in the hinge and is much better.
As far as alternatives are concerned I have looked at both Rutgerson and Gebo. I have used Gebo before and much prefered them to the Lewmar hatch.
Also I would not even consider the Lewmar low profile hatches as they are far too flexible. (I no longer associate Lewmar with 'top quality' which is a shame but through experience.)
The other factor of course is the cut out dimensions and in particular the corner radius.
My conclusion after looking at all the alternatives including the disturbance to the deck was to get it reglazed but it'll have to wait until a quieter period.

 

[samwise]

You now face the dilemma of keeping quiet or blowing the whistle on your "local firm" who may already have compromised the safety of other boats including yours. What did they say when you challenged them?

 

[davidbains]

I have recently fittedd two Vetus hatches. They're well made and very good value for money.

 

[bigwow]

Having 4 Gebo hatches on Bigwow my votes for them.

 

[Blueboatman]

I always thought that Goiot were rather better made than Lewmar,whose products I have seen crack in tropical heat
HERE

 

[wanderlust]

Gebo hatches on my boat have been very good. double Atlantic crossing and no leaks