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Lewmar Hatch Finishes and Quality

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by CaboFly, Feb 10, 2022.

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  1. CaboFly, Feb 10, 2022
    #1
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Looking at replacing hatches during exterior refit on my 48 Cabo. I can find the smoke lexan and aluminum frame Lewmar hatches in stock but am unable to find the frosted lexan with white frame Cabo used unless I switch to Bomar.

    How does the quality compare between between Lewmar and Bomar.

    Is the frosted lens preferred over the smoke tinted lens?

    Boat will be in Seattle after refit so heat from the smoke lens is not a primary concern just not sure if there are other reasons most builders use the frosted.

    Appreciate the input. First time replacing hatches. Have owned both in the past as original equipment.
  2. Capt J, Feb 11, 2022
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I would stick with the brand that is in there. Call Lewmar directly and they will make them for you based off the serial numbers in the frame. if you switch brands, none of the screws will line up and that will create a huge mess.
    gr8trn likes this.
  3. CaboFly, Feb 11, 2022
    #3
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    That model is discontinued on the larger hatch. Sams now sells a bomar white frame with frosted they say is drop in replacement. Spendy though. Can get a medium profile aluminum frame with smoke lens from WM. Same dimensions as original. Of course if switch to smoke lens then I will need to replace the small hatches as well that are currently in decent shape but they 15 are years old.
  4. Capt Ralph, Feb 11, 2022
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Are you sure Lewmar and not Bomar?
    Have you talked with Lewmar or Bomar directly?

    discontinued is not written in stone, just a suggestion.

    I know Bowmar will make replacement hatches. You just need that serial number.
    Hatteras and SeaRay used Bomar hatches when I was servicing them. Never messed with a Cabo hatch but just assumed it would be a Bomar hatch.

    I assume Lewmar would also build you a new hatch. But you have to get over that English language barrier issue when you call the UK.
  5. rtrafford, Feb 11, 2022
    #5
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I replaced a hatch and added a snap-in solar screen in lieu of seeking an alternative to the tint. Still get nat light, lose UV and gain privacy.
  6. CaboFly, Feb 11, 2022
    #6
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Yes 100% certain Lewmar. I taked to Fisheries Supply and they said they could contact Lewmar regarding frosted hatch as special order and no guarantee on timeline. Knowing how disrupted supply chain is I don't have confidence hatch would be here in time. If I can find three new hatches ( two 10's and one 70) that are drop in replacement including screw pattern I will stay with Lewmar and go with smoke lens.
  7. Capt Ralph, Feb 11, 2022
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Before July 4, New years?
    If it fits perfect with no mods, Please define time?
    So, Lewmar for sure, you have an interpreter.
    Fingers crossed for you.

    In the mean time, Have you contacted the correct mfg of your boat? Original kids or Hatterass?
    Maybe they have a timely replacement plan already in process. Can not figure you are the only Cabo owner with a hatch issue.
  8. CaboFly, Feb 12, 2022
    #8
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Sams Marine sells a Bomar and says it is a perfect fit to replace the original Lewmar. I don't want a mix of Lewmar and Bomar hatches on deck. That is just me.

    My post was more in regards to dilemma of moving to smoke finish on acrylic vs factory frosted acrylic style hatch. Is there a good reason builders use one vs the other? I need hatches in 8 weeks when paint is done and I leave the shed.
  9. Capt J, Feb 12, 2022
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Smoke you can see through, frosted you cannot. Looks is another reason. You can change the acrylic easy enough, just need to get a plastics shop to cut it......prospect plastics in Oakland Park can do that.
  10. dewald, Feb 12, 2022
    #10
    dewald

    dewald Member

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    I agree with Capt J. Just remove the old acrylic (in one piece) so it can be used as a template, go to a good shop. They can make you a new one in any color and opacity you want. I did that for my bow hatch last year. If I remember right, they charged me $50.00 and had it for me the day.
  11. rtrafford, Feb 12, 2022
    #11
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    If you do this, recommend using Bostik 70-08A for new acrylic installation. You need it to bond, hold, and be reliable.
  12. CaboFly, Feb 14, 2022
    #12
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Bought a Medium Profile Lewmar Size 70
    Also have two Low Profile Lewmar Size 10's coming.

    Going new as the others show wear on the frame and for what I am spending on new paint job I wanted fresh hatches with new bedding. Thanks for the feedback guys.