CD-25 Aft Cockpit Hatches

[colbysmith]

I did do some googling of that problem Bob mentioned with 4000. That was an earlier formula, dated before 2018. I've had good luck with it for the past couple of years. Colby

[colbysmith]

As I go back through looking at my blog and photos of the installation, I do think if I were to do it again, I might do one thing differently. And that would be before opening up the cutout, using some of my scrap PVC board or starboard to fill in the lip around the inside of the original cutout. That would have given me more working room for installing the screws that hold the new hatch frame in. As it is now, while much of the lip had to be cut off for the new frame to fit in, there is still a small hangover. The screws go into the main floor, very close to the edge, before it drops down to that lip. Specifically I think I would build the aft lip up even with the top of the floor, and then cut the complete lip off along the front. Then only cut what is necessary along the back. In fact, the back screws likely would have gone just into the PVC or Starboard, and wouldn't need any other plugging with epoxy, and there would be much more room to work with the front screws. However, the fill in the back would need to be glued in with epoxy since the lip has a rounding edge up to the main floor. That area between the fill and the original gelcoat may or may not show under or behind the new frame. (I can visualize better than type it. lol) Colby

[alainP]

Will they be 100% water tight? If so I might consider the switch myself.

[journey on]

One can also try this thread for more information: 25 cockpit hatch installation

Boris

[colbysmith]

[multimediasmith]

Hi Colby,
Thanks so much for your detailed report. After adding and replacing gaskets on the stock hatches, I’m ready to go ahead with the replacement.

I found the exact ones you referenced in two colors: Polar (bright) white and Arctic (warm) white.

I was hoping someone has seen them in person. I’m thinking warmer might be a closer match to the “aged” white on the boat.

Anyone?

Thanks
Dale

[thataway]

The Arctic (warm) white.

[colbysmith]

[multimediasmith]

Hi Colby and Bob. Thanks so much for the quick response… so kind and helpful. I’ll be ordering them while I can still find them.
I hope everyone is OK. I really appreciate the community of this group.

Are either of you going North this summer? We can’t even go outside here.
I call it “Thermal Lockdown”.

I’ve been preparing the boat with canvas work and am currently modifying the anchor roller to accommodate the new 25lb M-2 (pics to come) I still would love to cruise the North Channel from DeTour Village to Killarney and McGregor Bay. We scouted the area last September from a Gore Bay bunkie.

Although I still hear the Sirens call of the PNW… Have to escape this oppressive heat/humidity somehow. I’d like to join the proposed Tennessee River from Alabama this Fall. If I don’t see you before that, I wish you smooth sailing. Thanks Again

I’m not a big social media etiquette expert, but shouldn’t I be directly messaging as opposed to the forum? Although you were the two I was hoping for and sort of expected to hear back from.

Best
Dale

[localboy]

[colbysmith]

[multimediasmith]

Hey Colby,
Thanks for getting back on this topic. Should I start a new thread, or will people interested in the North Channel (and not so much hatch replacement) be able to find this conversation?

Where did you encounter the BIG Water? It seemed like mostly everything north of Manitoulin Island was protected from Lake Huron and Georgia Bay with lots of islands, bays and coves for shelter… and the tides were nothing like the Northwest!

We were there mid September last year and experienced a range of weather conditions but mostly Just beautiful!
We did actually get out on a small fishing boat from Gore Bay. Most of the islands are within sight of each other

It isn’t the PNW, but for me it’s only 21hrs towing from home.
Will keep the group posted as things take shape.

Best to Everyone

[colbysmith]

Dale,
Rather than hijacking this thread, I opened a new one for the North Channel: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?p=376194#376194 Colby

[Doug Moody]

A little late to the party, but I also urge anyone dealing with these deck penetrations to make sure they seal the around the hatches, particularly the balsa core. I have a 2003 25, and the factory did not, and I will be replacing the entire rear cockpit floor. The balsa core has absorbed a lot of water and has decomposed. The floor is soft, although currently serviceable for our precious short summer. A bad factory detail which has been covered in other threads.

I am assessing options, and looking for a large heated garage to do the repair this winter. I am debating adding a large floor hatch like the 2007 25's have over the fuel tank area and also enclosing the rear, lower, splash well assembly. This would also help clean up the poor electrical and battery area and design. Is anyone aware of other 25's who have done such a renovation/repair?

[jkswor]

I replaced these leaking hatches with the same new hatches as being discussed. They still leak although not as much. There are other places for water intrusion apparently cause when it rains or I wash the deck there is water getting in. I gave up and installed an automatic tiny bilge pump I found on internet. Paid almost $400 for it. Made in Canada. Now I’m happy