New Hatches for Morgan 43

[yboboat]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post , though I've been lurking for a while and have gained lots of help and insight. My situation is that I've bought a 1986 Morgan 43 that has Bomar hatches that are gone. I have found a good source for Lewmar Ocean hatches which match up pretty well but 2 of the hatchs work but not on the north- south orientation, they fit east-west. The larger ones, forward cabin and aft cabin will be in the normal oreintation, north-south. I realize it won't catch as much air as the "normal" mounting. What do you guys think about changing the "scoop effect"? Benefits vs downsides. Looking forward to + vs -. Thanks to all.

Lonnie Anderson

[Faster]

With your larger hatches doing the "scoop" work I don't think that having the others on a different axis will be a big problem - unless you don't like that look.

There's been a debate earlier here on the "open forward/open aft" issue, and many thought that the ventilation aspect worked well in either orientation.

I have seen factory boats with small hatches opening 'sideways' so to speak, I think it will be fine.

Expensive little items, aren't they? We recently changed a couple of hatches and went with Bomar, just couldn't buck up for the Lewmars. (but would have done had we plans for extensive open water sailing)

[yboboat]

Hello Faster,

Thanks for the advice. Adapting the available sizes to my configuration is problematic. I want to do it right, the first and only time. It's a great boat but it needs all the ventilation it can provide, especially down here in sunny Florida. I sometimes wonder how the pioneers did it!

Lonnie

[smartmove]

I am thinking of buying a Morgan 43 but all its hatches need replacing. Do you recommend any upgrading to different types and what kind of budget would I need.

[sailingdog]

Really depends on what size hatches you need and what brand/make/model you decide to buy, and who you decide to buy them from. You can do the research via google pretty easily if you know the hatch sizes...

If you don't know the hatch sizes, go down to the boat with a pencil, notepad and a tape measure.

Originally Posted by smartmove

I am thinking of buying a Morgan 43 but all its hatches need replacing. Do you recommend any upgrading to different types and what kind of budget would I need.

[yboboat]

I replaced my Bomar hatches with Lewmar offshore. The 2 hatches over the saloon, which aren't square, I mounted so they opened towards the centerline, not fore and aft. They don't really "scoop" the air but they provide the necessary ventalation. I can offer some tips on removing the old ones as well. The available sizes match up pretty well, but not perfectly. Best of all, they don't leak! I'm also replacing the old plastic portlights with stainless. Send me a PM and maybe I can be of further help.

Lonnie