Lewmar Ocean vs Bainbridge Hatches

[Piddy]

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace the Lewmar Ocean 60 hatches. They date from 1988 so have done well (they don't leak) but the roll-stop hinges don't hold the weight of the open hatch any more and the acrylic is is very crazed. They also have vents fitted which while not being very effective as vents, do manage to catch several billion bugs and bits of dirt, looking horrible.
They are eye-wateringly expensive to buy so I am wondering about the Bainbridge replacements which are half the price and are claimed to be direct replacements. Are they half as good?

Has anyone replaced them and have suffered any consequences?

Thanks,

 

[PaulRainbow]

Replaced one on my last boat with a Bainbridge one. Finish isn't smooth like the Lewmar one, but it fitted and worked OK, plus my wallet was much happier

 

[Concerto]

I fitted a Bainbridge hatch about 8 years ago. It is not an exact direct swap as it is about 5mm larger in both directions and none of the bolt hole match either. The one thing I find not as good is the catch to lock the handles as it has a very short movement. Other than that it has performed well and does not leak.

At the time I change the Bainbridge hatch was roughly the same cost as having the acrylic replaced. Now it is nearly double the cost, but still about a £300 saving on a Lewmar one.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I fitted a Bainbridge hatch about 8 years ago. It is not an exact direct swap as it is about 5mm larger in both directions and none of the bolt hole match either. The one thing I find not as good is the catch to lock the handles as it has a very short movement. Other than that it has performed well and does not leak.

At the time I change the Bainbridge hatch was roughly the same cost as having the acrylic replaced. Now it is nearly double the cost, but still about a £300 saving on a Lewmar one.

Was the original hatch Lewmar or Campa Roger ?

 

[justanothersailboat]

Hatch swaps are a medium sized job. I'd look at changing out the acrylic first.

 

[Piddy]

I have already changed the saloon hatch (for a new Lewmar) a few years ago, so am aware of the difficulties but the hinges are horrible on the old roll-stop hatches. The Saloon hatch was tearing the aluminium close to the hinges and they are getting on for 40 years old...

I want to make sure I don't fit something worse than I have already. I'm told the 'open' position isn't as good as the later Lewmar with the adjustment being almost infinite (in the open position).

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Concerto]

Was the original hatch Lewmar or Campa Roger ?

Lewmar

 

[alahol2]

Another name to check is Gebo. I fitted one many years ago and it's still going strong. At least as well engineered (if not better than) Lewmar.

 

[Ado]

I replaced six Lewmar hatches for Bainbridge ones about eight years ago. A straight swap and fitted easily. They have given no problems and aged well. The only downside for me is the gap between the lid and deck is slightly greater and jam 10mm control lines.