www.iFourWinns.com

Need to replace the deck hatch on my Sundowner. They discontinued the style of hatch originally on boat, but I got a new one from Lewmar that is supposed to be the exact same size and should be a fairly easy replacement. My only concern is whether this is something I want to get into, or would it be money well spent to pay someone. Anyone ever do this as a DIY?

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2000 235 Sundowner
Previously 2007 Horizon 190
2004 Chevy Avalanche Z71

Take the old one out first and see how the fit is before you just give the job to somebody else. If Lewmar gave you a similar replacement it should be close. Get a tube of 4200 to embed the new one in. I think you'll find it a simple replacement. If you need to make the opening bigger just make sure and tape a bag under the opening to catch any of the fibreglass so it doesn't get all over the cabin.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

I haven't changed a hatch to another type, but I had to remove the hatch on my '04 Sundowner to reseal it. The quality of the original fit wasn't too clever! I had to centralise it/ fill old screw holes/ make new ones and use a sealant to bed it in. No leaks now.

It's an easy job ( in my case a little fiddly, as the hole FW cut out was bigger than it needed to be); the new ones come with a foam/ mastic sealing strip; what you need to be sure of is that that sealing strip seals all around the hatch frame . Which may mean drilling new holes if the original hatch was not fitted centrally in the hole in the cuddy roof.

Graham