Houdini or Gebo Hatch

[sailingrbg]

Over the winter I am thinking of replacing My Houdini hatch with a Gebo or similar Hatch any other suggestions welcomed. ( beleive the Gebo is a straight replacement for the Houdini hatch (ie 500 x 500mm). Has anyone replaced a houdini hatch and if possible can you offer any advice on how simple or complex the job is

Many thanks

 

[kingfisher]

I replaced my old hatch (impossible to identify the brand) with a plastimo one. It was the brand with the dimension the closest to the opening. The lenght and with were fine, only the radius of the corners needed to be filled in.
I was replacing the inside ceiling anyway, so I didn't have to break out much. Obviously it would be pur chance if the screw holes of the original window were to fit the new one.
The fastners at the hinge side of the window need to be through bolts, the others can be screws and sikaflex. A window of the size will require two tubes of sika.

1) remove old screw
2) get a fine sharp blad and go around the window, get wooden or plastic bits to focre under the window and move along the side to lift it. This will be a b*tch of a job.
3) remove the old sika. You will spend a lot of time on that. In the end, I used a steel brush, toothbrush sized. This will damage the gelcoat, so only use it on the areas that will be covered by the new window
4) Fill out the old screw holes with epoxy. Or fiber enhanced polyester, but epoxy is better.
5) Try out the new window. Open and close it, see if it works. Drill the holes for the fastners.
6) apply generous amounts of Sika. Tape off the areas you don't want covered in compound. And believe me, sika will stick to anything that you don't want it to stick to.
7) place the window, fasten, but don't screw completely tight, because otherwise all you will be doing is pushing out the sika. Stop when you have about 2mm of sika between deck and window. Wait for the sika to harden and then tighten the screws/bolts once more. That way you have a tight seal.
8) Don't remove the protective plastic untill the boat is in the water.

Windows come in green or smoke grey tint. Lewmar has some practical installation guides on their site.

 

[steve_cronin]

They make two. One with corner radii similar to their own range but they also make one as a direct replacement for a Houdini which has different corner radii to match the Houdini deck opening. Be sure to get the right one.

Otherwise, be careful that the outside handles don't come unglued and blow away. All of mine have had to be Araldited on. I understand though that Gebo are now supplying them with a central securing s/t screw.

Steve Cronin

 

[sailingrbg]

Many Thanks Kingfisher and Steve _Cronin

You have both given me some valuable advice and a few things to think about. Any idea how long the job would take (how long is a piece of Stirng) could it be done in a day?


Many thanks again

 

[steve_cronin]

Depends what is sealed with. If Sikkaflex was used it might be very difficult to part the frame from the deck. Also, if a complex inner lining has been added, this can hinder your cutting the sealant out.

Silicone sealant can also be a but reluctant to let go. Both cases will benefit from a Stanley knife blade being run around first.

Otherwise, once the screws are all removed, the frame should lift out.

Give yourself a day but I suspect that if the fates are with you, you'll be finished by 2pm.

Steve cronin