Fitting New Hatch

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> 10 years ago

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keensailor

NSW

702 posts

keensailor

NSW, 702 posts

21 Jul 2013 9:48am

hi
i have bought a new hatch which is slightly larger than the opening in the cabin (by 2-3mm). I know I need to widen the opening and fill with Epifill but am unsure on best tools to use for widening the opening and fairing the Epifill. Also what is best type of silicon to use to bed the new hatch.
Photo of old hatch;

Boatin

NSW

179 posts

Boatin

NSW, 179 posts

21 Jul 2013 11:28am

To enlarge the hole I would try one of the vibrating multi tools that are available today. They can be used as aggressively or delicately as required so much less likely to gouge out more than you meant to. I have had one for years and it is probably the best all round tool in the shed. Hope this helps.

LooseChange

NSW

2140 posts

LooseChange

NSW, 2140 posts

21 Jul 2013 11:56am

As you are only removing between 1 and 1.5mm on each side to get the required opening I would use a power file. I certainly would not use silastic to bed the hatch, rather one of the Sikaflex compounds which will move with the flex and not shear.

Ramona

NSW

7757 posts

Ramona

NSW, 7757 posts

21 Jul 2013 6:14pm

Yes silastic has no place on a boat, good for fish tanks though.

keensailor

NSW

702 posts

keensailor

NSW, 702 posts

21 Jul 2013 6:33pm

thanks all

from advice suggested i will use a power file to widen the opening slightly and Sikaflex 291 to bed the hatch.

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