Removing a hatch window

[danielcooper9]

I'm trying to remove my roof window hatch that's on the bow because there is a leak somewhere. The adhesive/sealant is holding it on very tightly (I wish it was sealing that well). I can access the window frame by taking the cover off in the cabin but I can't get any part of the window pushed up enough to get something between the fiberglass and the outside frame to help pry it up. Any suggestions for how to get this out without damaging the hatch or fiberglass?

 

[Shake n Bake]

You can pick up a bottle of "Anti Bond" and let is soak the sealant off or tie a piece of heavy spectra fishing line between a couple short pieces of dowel and use the line as a saw. You could do both, as well.

 

[bob richards]

You should have screws from above to remove as the bottom is more of a trim plate... at least on the three hatches I have.

 

[pdecat]

I found that most leaks are at the gasket not the frame to boat interface.

 

[danielcooper9]

I didn't mention it but I did obviously take the screws out from the top.

I'll put a hose on it and check the gasket first. I've never seen it leak (as in drops of water) only started seeing water stains on the carpet lining the roof but I guess it could be collecting in the trim piece, filling up and then soaking the carpet.

 

[folieadeux]

My deck hatch was leaking around the gasket and when I contact Bomar, here are the instructions they furnished to me to repair:

INSTALLING REPLACEMENT LENSES IN BOMAR HATCHES

TOOLS: replacement lens
tube of silicone (GE Ultra Glaze)
old spoon
old butter knife or hanger
masking tape
blunt tool

1. Cut away old silicone and remove old lens.

2. Place a two inch strip of masking tape around the top/outside of hatch lid in order to make the removal of excess silicone less difficult.

3. If you have a cast hatch disregard this step. If you have an extruded hatch and wish to replace your gasket, do so now, making sure to place lip of the gasket on top of the flange (the underside of the lens will sit on this portion of the gasket).

4. Peel off the paper on the underside of the lens.

5. Place a moderate bead of silicone on the flange and any crossbars where the lens will set.

6. Float the lens into the silicone bead.
(If your replacement lens has holes in it for your latch dogs, place the holes away from the hinge. Allow a 1/8” space between the front edge of lens and the frame so your handles will be properly aligned. If your replacement lens does not have holes in it simply center the lens in the silicone.)

7. After the lens is floated, apply a generous bead of silicone in the gap between the edge of the lens and the frame.

8. Using the back side of an old spoon, place the tip in the silicone at 45 degrees and trowel off any excess silicone.

9. Check for air bubbles (swelling in the silicone). To remove air bubbles; drag an old butter knife through the swollen area three inches before and after the swollen area. Apply a new bead of silicone to the disturbed area and trowel off excess silicone with your spoon.

10. Allow the hatch to sit for two days.

11. Peel off the masking tape and lens paper carefully use a blunt tool to remove any silicone, being careful not to scratch the lens or the hatch frame.

12. The silicone will be totally cured in 7 days.