89 3100 hatches - advice?

[rose_surfer]

A previous owner of my 3100 sealed all three hatches closed with silicone. I'd really like to be able to use them, so I'm considering cutting the silicone out. However I'm guessing the owner sealed them for a reason. From searching this forum, it looks like these were custom for this boat, so I'm afraid if they are damage, or I damage them unsticking them, I'm in real trouble.

Any advise? Should I try to unstick them? I figure I can probably at least find o rings somewhere if I need to replace those.

[Uhehner]

I had an '88 31 Open. The gasket was not a simple "O" ring and I would find it difficult to replace if I could even find one. If the silicone was just applied around the top edge and not on the gasket itself you may have a chance at slicing it open. If you can see it oozing through on the inside I would guess you are opening a can of worms. Then again if you do get it open and can't stop the leaks you can always re-caulk it. I always had the hatches closed when running to keep any spray out of the interior. Another choice would be to replace the entire hatch with a new one. Just my opinion. Capt George

[rose_surfer]

I had an '88 31 Open. The gasket was not a simple "O" ring and I would find it difficult to replace if I could even find one. If the silicone was just applied around the top edge and not on the gasket itself you may have a chance at slicing it open. If you can see it oozing through on the inside I would guess you are opening a can of worms. Then again if you do get it open and can't stop the leaks you can always re-caulk it. I always had the hatches closed when running to keep any spray out of the interior. Another choice would be to replace the entire hatch with a new one. Just my opinion. Capt George

Yeah he gooped it on pretty thick. It's going to take a bunch of scraping and cutting to get them open. I suppose I can just cut them open then like you say re-seal them if they leak. But I feel pretty confident he wouldn't have sealed them shut if they weren't leaking to begin with.

Any idea if replacement hatches are available?  I read one thread where a guy was looking into it but didn't see how it was resolved.  They seem to be a custom shape to match the profile of the deck and to give that recessed look. But maybe there's an aftermarket option?  

[Uhehner]

If you do decide to remove the old silicone I suggest reading up on silicone removers available at Lowes, HD and Ace. I have no experience with them. I have sliced caulk with a stiff utility knife blade while lubricating it with WD-40.

Also, what type of silicone are you dealing with? Clear GE Sealant, White Bathtub caulk, etc.

It would be helpful to this site if you published your reviews of the products you used.

Be thankful it's not 3M 5200. Capt. George

[rose_surfer]

If you do decide to remove the old silicone I suggest reading up on silicone removers available at Lowes, HD and Ace. I have no experience with them. I have sliced caulk with a stiff utility knife blade while lubricating it with WD-40.

Also, what type of silicone are you dealing with? Clear GE Sealant, White Bathtub caulk, etc.

It would be helpful to this site if you published your reviews of the products you used.

Be thankful it's not 3M 5200. Capt. George

No idea since I didn't put it on but it's definitely clear.  Didn't think about using a solvent but that's a very good idea to try to spare the o-ring.  Either way i am not going to attempt until I have sourced replacement hatches just in case.  

[Lured Away]

Rose - guessing these are the thick plexiglass ones like I had on my '88 31 open, about 1" thick. They are strong don't think you would break by prying open. Use a heat gun on low.  

Anyway for new ones call Maritime Plastics in Annapolis behind the mall.  I looked into replacing them as had a lot of crazing and were not cheap but he could make them.  Owners name is Keith Fletcher.  I had him make a cutstom plexi box for a flow meter and did a fantastic job.

You really had to dog these down tight to get sealed, new gasket should be pretty easy to find.

http://www.maritimeplastics.com

Ryan

[rose_surfer]

Yup they are think tinted plexiglass. Though there is nothing wrong with the plexiglass. I'm guessing if they were leaking, it was either the seals or the hardware wasn't latching then down tight enough? Is it possible/likely that the plexiglass warped or something? Assuming not, if I weren't to find whole new assemblies, I'd think the plexiglass part would be the only part I don't need to replace. I'll call that guy though or swing by and see what he thinks. Thanks for the suggestion!