Lewmar hatches - crazing.

[xcw]

I have Lewmar hatches on my yacht which is just over two years old and kept in a Solent marina. I noticed last weekend that the main hatches are starting to craze. Is this normal after such a short space of time or should I complain to the manufacturer?

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[jimi]

I would wonder why. What sort of strains are they being subjected to that might cause this? Whats the boat?

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[MainlySteam]

Our boat is 7 years old and is in New Zealand where UV levels are higher than average. Our Lewmar hatches have no signs of crazing at all except perhaps one small one which is over the galley, but I suspect that is actually mainly scratches from cleaning (have not inspected it closely to check, but it gets greasey quickly as the galley is used at least several days a week so unfortunately regularly needs a wipe down inside and out).

If you have crazing then I suspect there is something unexpected happening such as some non UV stabilised material getting into the production line, but are you sure it is just not sctratches from cleaning (except for hosing them and perhaps a very soft brush, cleaning is a habit one should avoid with them).

John

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[BlueSkyNick]

Regardless of any warranty period, I would complain anyway. It seems they are 'not fit for purpose' - 2 years is nothing considering the costs and life expectancy of the rest of the boat.

Its only the cost of a letter and a few phone calls, after all.



<hr width=100% size=1>Have a holiday on The Broads? Norfolk Enchants !!

 

[global_odyssey]

Acrylic , especially if stressed is susceptible from attck by certain solvents. This will cause crazing type cracking.
Have the windows been cleaned with anytjing which smells strongly of solvent?

If so that could be your problem. I recommend that acrylic be cleaned with plenty of water only.

I hope Lewmar are reasonable though - the windows ought to last at least 10 years - and they are not cheap so I'd expect fitness for purpose.

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[Dave_Snelson]

I have a "tinted" acrylic Lewmar hatch on the foredeck of my Windy 8800. This now looks like a fractured car windscreen! I wonder if the tinted acrylic is more susceptible to the sun (heat etc) than clear ones?

I have no idea how old it is, so I can't complain at Lewmar - but I do intend to replace it sometime.

I wonder how much???

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[poter]

I have just bought a couple of Lewmar Ocean hatches from Seateach see:
http://www.seateach.com/Hatch/Lewmar.asp
Good site with plenty of info & prices on line.

Their ads say they are the leading stockist in UK. I got excellent service & good prices. The sales guys also know what they are talking about, which is always usefull when you have an old boat with hatches that are no longer manufactured.

poter

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[Dave_Snelson]

Thanks Peter - I'll give them a call. I also ask them if they do helmsmen's seats 'cos I'm after one of them also.

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