Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

Replacing crazed and leaking acrylic lenses on heavy-duty cast aluminum Bomar hatches requires a two-stage sealing process to ensure watertight integrity.0:05 The crew removes the old, cracked lenses and cleans the aluminum frames before installing new 6mm acrylic sheets.0:05 To prevent leaks, they apply a bead of sealant between the frame and the acrylic, leaving the protective paper on the lens edges until the sealant skins to ensure a clean finish.4:48 When bolt holes in the cast frames are stripped or snapped, the crew uses an easy-out tool or, if that fails, drills out the hole to install a helicoil insert.12:16 Once the lenses are set, the hatches are bedded into the deck using butyl tape and secured with bolts to ensure even compression.13:01 The project also includes installing new electric toilets and a bilge pump system to improve vessel safety during periods when the boat is left unattended.17:23

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