Broken companionway hatch
Dear all,
I had a rather heavy crew member who stepped on the companionway hatch and caused it to crack. This represents a threat to the integrety of the vessel, and I do require a replacement. I am currently berthed in Gran Canaria, and the people I talk to here tell me I should get the replacement from Nautor. Does anyone know if this is something Nautor may suply?
Thanks, Terje.

Terje
The hatch material is acrylic, suggest that you find a shop where gluing of this material is done. The glue is the same acrylic in a solvent.
In order to get glue into the crack a saw cut probably has to be made.
Best regards
Lars

Dear Lars, thanks again for good help. The crack dose not go the entire length of the hatch, so I guess the saw should only be used to widen the crack in order for the glue to be effective? Terje

Terje
The crack should be filled completely with glue, any air bubbles will be visible later. Therefore a saw cut would be advisable, unless the shop has their own tricks to make sure there are no bubbles.
Best regards
Lars

May also suggest you drill a small hole at the very end of the crack so as to be sure it will not slowly continue in the future, and fill it with the glue. This is always done in aviation when there is a crack in aluminium or perspex.
Kind regards.
PhilippeV 41/022

Thank you for good suggestion. I have one more problem; the people that are going to do the repair tell me that they need to know the exact specification of the glue that is to be used. Lars, are you able to help me on this one, too?

Kind regards, Terje.

Terje
Have not been involved with these things for some time, and would suggest that a shop worth it's salt should know.
Best regards
Lars