Many have questioned the aesthetics and function of the square wooden boxes that form the forward hatch of early Ericsons. Mine is in need of refurbishment, again. Or outright replacement this time. As noted on another thread that got somewhat hijacked, Lewmar hatches are currently at a pretty tempting sale price. So I am looking at exactly what will fit and what would be involved in changing over. Some thoughts here. Input from someone who has actually done it would be much appreciated.
As best as I can measure, without demolition, the opening on my 712 E29 is 19 7/8 x 13 7/8. This would seem to fit the width of either Lewmar number 50 or 54, with some nibbling and grinding to match the height.
But wait - the Lewmar hatches have radiused corners while The Box has square corners.
Also:
The fiberglass of the boat forms two flat flanges that dovetail with The Box. Although one could fit the specified Lewmar cut-out on the top flange, the hatch itself would overlap.
This rules out the number 54 hatch, which would also overlap the lower flange slightly. Ergo, number 50 it is.
So for the first step, that top flange would have to be ground away entirely.
Whatever is found beneath would need to be filled and faired.
Then the opening enlarged to match the hatch cut-out.
This crude drawing shows the outlines of the Ericson hatch at the top and the Lewmar 50 below. The orange line is the outline of the hatch and the blue line is the outline of the cut-out. (The circles are just my lazy way to draw the correct radius.)
We overlay them, et voila!
It almost fits.
The hatch fits entirely within the lower fiberglass "flange" (barely) but tiny ears of the "square" Ericson corner opening extend beyond the boundary of the radiused Lewmar cut-out. I suppose these could be caulked up and hidden by a trim piece below. (?) According to my scale drawing, these gaps would be roughly 3/4" long with a maximum width around 1/2."
So it seems doable, but moderately invasive surgery would be required. Maybe a four on the potential fiasco scale... :thinker:
As best as I can measure, without demolition, the opening on my 712 E29 is 19 7/8 x 13 7/8. This would seem to fit the width of either Lewmar number 50 or 54, with some nibbling and grinding to match the height.
But wait - the Lewmar hatches have radiused corners while The Box has square corners.
Also:
The fiberglass of the boat forms two flat flanges that dovetail with The Box. Although one could fit the specified Lewmar cut-out on the top flange, the hatch itself would overlap.
This rules out the number 54 hatch, which would also overlap the lower flange slightly. Ergo, number 50 it is.
So for the first step, that top flange would have to be ground away entirely.
Whatever is found beneath would need to be filled and faired.
Then the opening enlarged to match the hatch cut-out.
This crude drawing shows the outlines of the Ericson hatch at the top and the Lewmar 50 below. The orange line is the outline of the hatch and the blue line is the outline of the cut-out. (The circles are just my lazy way to draw the correct radius.)
We overlay them, et voila!
It almost fits.
The hatch fits entirely within the lower fiberglass "flange" (barely) but tiny ears of the "square" Ericson corner opening extend beyond the boundary of the radiused Lewmar cut-out. I suppose these could be caulked up and hidden by a trim piece below. (?) According to my scale drawing, these gaps would be roughly 3/4" long with a maximum width around 1/2."
So it seems doable, but moderately invasive surgery would be required. Maybe a four on the potential fiasco scale... :thinker:
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