How do you remove an old Gebo hatch?

[GlennG]

I've a 20 year old Gebo fore hatch (50cm X 50cm) on a Contessa 32 which has crazed somewhat and now has a crack right across it (how I wish I hadn't stepped on it!).

It (was) a perfectly working hatch that just needs the perspex replacing. OK, maybe the seals, etc. There's also the cabin roof hatch that could also do with replacing the crazed perspex.

It's a Gebo circa 1985:

So, the questions...
<ul type="square">
[*]I don't suppose someone could pop down to the boat and fix it for a tenner? OK, it's a boat, so it'll cost a bit more. Does anyone know of a 'mobile' hatch replacement service?
[*]I've seen some postings for companies that offer a refurbishment service, but this requires the lid to be removed. How? Any pointers?
[*]Is it possible to source the 'inner seal' that keeps the perspex in place?
[*]Similarly the outer seal.
[/list]

All advice greatfully received.

TIA,
Glenn

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[kingfisher]

I started to have problems with my hatch two seasons ago. I pushed open the hatch from the inside and out popped the perspex panel.Doh. The the seal started leaking. I remedied the problems (bonded in the perspex, cut a new on, replaced the seal). It never really worked.

My recommendation: bite the bullet and fit a new hatch. Not that difficult and costs about 250£. Curing the symptoms doesn't work.

 

[GlennG]

Thanks for that; I've emailed Gebo and am waiting for an answer.

I must admit that the idea of replacing the whole 'hole' really doesn't appeal - just to replace the perspex (and seals).

The perspex is inserted from the inside, not the outside as is more common these days. Behind the perspex there's a rubber seal that jams it into the aluminium (we have some double-glazing at home that has been installed in the same way).

I'm assuming that this seal should pop out when dug out with a chisel - I do hope it's not a job for a G-String

If all else fails, any ideas how the lid can be removed? The hinge detail is shown above. I'm assuming that I'll need some form of pusher to shove the hinge pin out. I bet that'll be an easy job after 22 years of corrosion - not!

I suppose the final question is if the whole thing needs replacing, then what's the most likely 'best fit' replacement model?


Glenn

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[rogerthebodger]

Are you the South African agent for Gebo and do I know you.

PS
What is a Sharks fan doing in Cape Town?

 

[GlennG]

An update...

I called Gebo in Holland who put me on to the UK supplier www.improducts.co.uk whom I called and got a very helpful person. His view was to get out the Yellow Pages, find an acrylic supplier, and source the perspex from them. IMP have the window seal which is only £6.50/metre.

Apparently you can't separate the 'lid' from the body without removing the hatch from the boat (the screws are underneath). That's out of the question unless it all goes titsup.

So it looks like it's one of those jobs where I need to organise the perspex first and get the old perspex to them as a template - and make sure there's a fine day and a spare canvas cover!


Glenn