VikingBlue--Lewmar Hatch Issue

[VikingBlue]

Hi

I have a 20 year old 47ft Yacht with 2001 Lewmar Mk 2 Low Profile Hatches. I have bought Lewmar replacement acrylics at some expense and followed the instructions and video and I am competent at most things. Now I have hit a wall - as these 20 year old extruded frames will not split by just pulling apart as they describe using brand new frames- surprise! Despite trying penetrating oil and a limescale remover over several days no movement at all as yet.

Obviously I need to be VERY careful as there are three to do and I don't want to end up with an unserviceable 500x 500mm hatch or a gaping hole.

Does anyone have any experience or remedy they know works?

I'm thinking about careful heat treatment on the two joints next, but am cautious through life experience and still cannot get anything from Lewmar Technical Support.

We are laying in Lagos Portugal due to depart for three months on 14th June so time and tide etc etc

[Stingo]

First suggestion: edit your post and change the Subject to Lewmar Hatch Issue (or similar)


Sorry, I don't have any suggestions which might help solve your challenge

[Tupaia]

Not sure - but I don't think the "old" Lewmar hatches split, the lenses are glued in from the outside. Cut through the edge sealant an pry out. But I could be wrong. A picture might help identify. Who supplied the lenses, have you tried asking them?

[SailingHarmonie]

As suggested above, on some older hatches, the lens is secured adhesively with silicone sealant, and on newer ones mechanically with a rubber gasket. Are you sure these are the new style rubber gasket type?

If you don't know, a photo here will help people identify what you are dealing with.

[VikingBlue]

Lewmar Hatch Issue

Absolutely the Lewmar 2001 Low Profile Mk 2 Hatches and Acylics which come complete with new seals, handle etc But you have to seperate the frame into two halves after removing 8 machine screws - 4 on each Joint. They are not the old style 'Ocean Generation' which are much higer in profile and as you point out are differently constructed.

I will add some pictures if required.

Thank you for your comments so far and I will change the title as soon as I find my way around this application which I have only joined today.

[VikingBlue]

I have now added photographs to an Album linked to my profile for anyone who may have suggestions.

[nigel1]

If you can get hold of some acetone and ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid), make up a 50/50 mix and apply liberally to the two joints and leave to soak, reapply every so often. It's very good at freeing up aluminium.

If no luck with that, try and contact one of the two companies listed below, I found Eagle Boat windows to be very helpful in the past



Welcome to Hadlow Marine Services


https://www.eagleboatwindows.co.uk/contact

[JPA Cate]

Hi, VikingBlue, your title has been fixed. It is a job any moderator can do for you. Easy way to contact moderators are by clicking on the little red outlined white triangle with an "!" in it on the lower right, or use the "Contact Us" button.

Ann

[Chotu]

If you truly have to slide those parts by the screw holes apart and make that little gap longer, I would just stick something like a putty knife in there and hammer it in. Carefully. At an angle so you don’t damage anything.

Automatic transmission fluid is a good idea as well.

But I think you could get those apart mechanically. Just keep driving things in there until they get wider and wider. Eventually it will pop