How do I Repair Forward Hatch?

[Harborless]

I would like to repair the forward hatch on my AMF Paceship. The seal/gasket is all but shot and the inside of the lid has stress cracking along the sides. Also, the port hinge has rust on it so I may have some water damage below the hardware.
What I would like to know is a quick run through of how one should repair and old hatch cover and what tools are essential for the job. Also, I have Don Caseys Sailboat maintenance book and it shows how to rebed hardware but what if I do have some water damage? Would I use a flanged nail and drill to bore out the wet area around then fill it full of epoxy before I rebed? The hatch cover contains the seal. There is no door the hatch falls into. What I mean is, I canot replace the hatch because it is installed using the actual hull as its base or whatever you want to call it.

It is just the hinges, the hatch cover its self and the bar that locks in place to keep the hatch up or lower it down. Can anyone help? Please pretend you are speaking to a four year old and be as detailed as possible.

[Harborless]

Bump

[mitiempo]

Can you post a picture?

[JimsCAL]

Guessing this is a fiberglass hatch, not a separate unit like a Bomar. Some guesses based on the info provided:

If the "stress cracks" are just in the gelcoat, its just cosmetic. If so, grind out and fill with gelcoat.

Replace the gasket.

Replace the hinges (stainless is the best). Find out if you have wet deck core and how extensive it is. Don't just inject epoxy. Do a little research on how to do a proper repair.