Plexiglass hatch cover repair help needed

[kerncat]

I've got a plexiglass hatch cover in a hinged aluminum frame on the deck of my boat..the Plexiglass is badly cracked and crazed...I can't find anything in a replacement hatch (the bigger ones available are all just a little too small for the hole cut out which is 22 1/4" square)...does anyone know of someone that might be able to replace the plexiglass or lexan if I'd bring them the hatch frame?..There is a sort of rubber ring or gasket around the plastic and I'm sure it all comes apart there but I'd have no way to cut and fit and I'd bet the rubber mounting is old and dried out so that would have to be replaced...The picture shows the hatch (before I broke it...damn) any thoughts appreciated.

Happy holidays all

[gecsr1]

nice hatch before you broke it.... Can you find a brand name on it?

[vwlure]

Try MGM Plastics in San Marcos
MGM Plastics

[kerncat]

Yeah, its a Taylor Made...I e mailed them and the closest they have is a 20x20 cut out which falls about 2 1/4 inches short each way...same for Bomar..I may just use Starboard and make a solid hatch..don't really need the light in that area and I could mount a smaller hatch in the starboard for ventilation and "escape" in case of emergency...just rather replace the plex if possible..thanks

[lokegirl48]

Opening up that deck if the hatch doesn't leak now is really questionable. You should be able to get that fixed at a good glass shop. If you are handy just use the old one for a template. There is a caulk called CRL GE Ultra Glaze Silicone you can go to CRLaurence.com and find out where you can buy this locally, very good for windows and hatches.
As far as Starboard it does not accept sealant well so not a good choice here.

[reef]

I'll check at Minnie's in Newport next week. They have a ton of new and used hatches. You can always go bigger since the hatch has to come out anyways. PM me and we can talk about it. Have a Merry Christmas.

[fish is a fish]

Originally Posted by vwlure

Try MGM Plastics in San Marcos
MGM Plastics

dido that they can make anything, have used them in the past for custom stuff and have no complaints.

[Dirtguy]

Shit! You've got a pattern so anyone with a sabre saw could make one. While you're at it, might go thicker in the smoked color just so you don't chink it with the anchor hardware. Use good Lexan that is UV stabilized.

I'm cheap so I'd try to make one first. I'll bet you're best quote is $100 +. The plastic would be about $35.00 from Lowe's or Home Depot.
Give it a shot! It's a learning experience!

DG

[Customboatguy]

Plex products in Santee. Or, You can cut it yourself, round the edges, sand with 220 dry, then run a small torch down the edges until glossy. Plex or Lexan isn't hard to find. pm me if you need some and you want to try it yourself. Plex is across the street from me in Santee.

[lokegirl48]

Some of you think he should cut it himself but if he chips it, he's buying another piece if the store chips it....too bad so sad, for them. But if you are a daring guy special blades and tape both sides to help prevent chipping. You won't want the edge you are caulking smooth as the roughness will help bind the silicone. The out/in part I think should be easy. Take only the plastic out, really you could open up a real mess in the deck that is fine now. Seen that too many times!!

[kerncat]

Just a quick update..I was able to buy a small piece (just big enough) of Makralon polycarbonate (from Sheffield plastics/Bayer) locally...dark, UV stabilized, highly impact resistant and also scratch resistant...it's installed and is just right...thanks again to all that offered suggestions...Got lucky to find this small piece on Christmas Eve but it's all done...Happy Holidays

[Az.monkey]

Bob where is that place located ?