2019 R23 Forward Hatch Replacement

[RThorn]

Both of the forward hatches on my R23 have cracks in the corners. I am now ready to replace them and want to be sure i use the gaskets and sealant.

I see some folks are using weather stripping. If so, how do you make rhe corners and how do you seal the ends?

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Randy
Olympia WA

 

[S. Todd]

I just replaced one of my Jim Black Hatches and the new gasket material sold with the hatches is just a round gasket. I was not fond of trying to use that and hoping to get a good seal. I was able to reuse the original gasket material which was a custom fit gasket for the original factory installed hatch on our 2021 model.

 

[RThorn]

No gaskets sent with my new hatches.

 

[JDubya]

I also have a crack in the corner of the outer molding on one of the hatches/skylights over my cockpit (2021 C-30S).

With Ranger's parts department shut down, where did you go to get a proper replacement hatch? Any ideas on who the OEM is?

 

[S. Todd]

The hatches used by Fluid Motion on their Ranger Tugs, and I presume also on their Cutwater models, are Jim Black hatches.
I believe (just my guess) they had a bad run of the plastic resin used on the 19" X 19" hatches in 2020 because all four of the hatches on our 2021 R29S developed cracks in the corners. It was very early in the life of our boat, which was stored indoors when not in use, so Ranger Tugs sent me new ones under warranty. I broke one of the smaller 12' X 17" hatches (don't ever forget to close and lock them before trailering down the road even for a short distance) and ordered a replacement from Great Lakes Skipper (www.greatlakesskipper.com). They also sell separately a Boat Hatch Seal / Gasket. I decided to reuse the original gasket when I recently replaced that broken hatch because the new one sent by GreatLakes Skipper was just a round gasket not formed to custom fit like the original one on the broken hatch I removed.

 

[BCraven]

Hey there I need to replace one of my R23 hatches which also has a cracked corner. Any special tips for a newbie who has never replaced a hatch? Do I just pop off a cover to get to the mounting hardware? I think I’ll try to reuse the factory gasket.

Thanks!