Refinishing forward hatch

Hello all,

I’m refinishing the fwd hatch on Calypso, and have it stripped. It looks like the previous owner had used epoxy as the base coating. I’ve got some epoxy and sanding work to do before I coat it.

I’m wondering how you finish yours, and how sucessfully the finish keeps. Mine has black polysulfide strips separating the planks. I’m concerned that whatever finish I apply will prematurely begin to fail at the edges (along the black caulking).

I’ve seen some of these hatches with a mixed varnish/silvered finish. Is this partially a compromise for the above problem?

Regards,

Jeremy


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Hi Jeremy,
I just got on this discussion board so I appologize if I’m too late to help. I just finished refinishing my scuttle hatch cover as well. It was a total drag! And I’m usually pretty good at this stuff too. I had to remove all the poysulfide. There is a cotton string in the bottom of the grooves to help in removing. There was alott of separation of the caulk from the side walls of the groves and crystalized varnish laying there.
I replaced the polysulfide after cleaning well. Masking off the wood around the grooves is worth the time it takes. I let the caulk cure for a week before sanding.
It took nine coats of varnish before the grain of the bare wood was filled, block sanding between coats. Then three more after. The appearance is nice but I still get annoying water seepage through the caulk. and it stains the inside as i’m sure you know.
I will not be refinishing this hatch cover ever again. I may rebuild the top with something else more water proof when I think of something. I’ll keep you posted. Hope you’ll do the same.
Russ and Carol
Bcc 93 “Pelagic”

Hello all,

I’m refinishing the fwd hatch on Calypso, and have it stripped. It looks like the previous owner had used epoxy as the base coating. I’ve got some epoxy and sanding work to do before I coat it.

I’m wondering how you finish yours, and how sucessfully the finish keeps. Mine has black polysulfide strips separating the planks. I’m concerned that whatever finish I apply will prematurely begin to fail at the edges (along the black caulking).

I’ve seen some of these hatches with a mixed varnish/silvered finish. Is this partially a compromise for the above problem?

Regards,

Jeremy


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Hello Russ & Carol,

Thanks for the tips of the hatch. I’m finally recoating mine. I’m using
cetol (2 coats pigmented plus 3 clear gloss). After using this stuff on the
mast (I have a wood stick) I thought I’d give it go on some other pieces.

I too removed all traces of the previous polysulphide (probably the original
20 year old stuff!). This was a long and tedious job - definately not fun. I
used X-acto knives, utility blades, and finely honed chisels.

However, I elected to refill the grooves with West System epoxy using the
graphite additive. I used syringes to apply the stuff and did not mask the
whole thing off. It went pretty easily. I had to do it in 4 seperate
sessions due to the curvature and the epoxy’s tendency to run. I then started
using a rando orbit sander to flush the whole thing down - bad move. The fine
epoxy/graphite powder stains evrything! So I then tried wet sanding - wow!
mush easier and cleaner. The result so far looks great. I don’t think anyone
can tell.

As for radical alternatives… I’ve seen a picture of Freelance. They used a
frosted plexiglass (I think) to turn the fwd hatch into a sort of skylight.
I’ll have to see If I can dig out a picture from an old Sail/Cruising World.

Thanks for the info,

Jeremy


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Jeremy,
I think you have planted a seed here. Your epoxy in place of the polysulfide is a great idea. But i’m actually more interested in the skylight option. Why not just route a hole through the whole mess,leave a flange around the inside perimeter and screw down a peice of 3/8" polycarbonate. Mabey even add a cage like the main skylight. It could always use more light up there anyway. I think it would work well with the general design as well.
Thanks for the help and i’ll let you know if I get crazy enough to try it. I have to check with Carol first though.
See Ya,

Russ…

Hello Russ & Carol,

Thanks for the tips of the hatch. I’m finally recoating mine. I’m using
cetol (2 coats pigmented plus 3 clear gloss). After using this stuff on the
mast (I have a wood stick) I thought I’d give it go on some other pieces.

I too removed all traces of the previous polysulphide (probably the original
20 year old stuff!). This was a long and tedious job - definately not fun. I
used X-acto knives, utility blades, and finely honed chisels.

However, I elected to refill the grooves with West System epoxy using the
graphite additive. I used syringes to apply the stuff and did not mask the
whole thing off. It went pretty easily. I had to do it in 4 seperate
sessions due to the curvature and the epoxy’s tendency to run. I then started
using a rando orbit sander to flush the whole thing down - bad move. The fine
epoxy/graphite powder stains evrything! So I then tried wet sanding - wow!
mush easier and cleaner. The result so far looks great. I don’t think anyone
can tell.

As for radical alternatives… I’ve seen a picture of Freelance. They used a
frosted plexiglass (I think) to turn the fwd hatch into a sort of skylight.
I’ll have to see If I can dig out a picture from an old Sail/Cruising World.

Thanks for the info,

Jeremy


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