I’ve run into the same problem on my 30U as others have wrestled with. The hinge pin on one of the smaller hatches has seized and snapped. I have attempted all the usual repair tricks used within this group and other sources, I’ve admitted defeat. After a good discussion with a reputable machine shop I wanted to explore another alternative. The price of a replacement A@H hatch is astronomical, $1200 CA. Has anyone in the group replaced one of these hatches with a non A@H hatch? It may or may not be way to go but worth exploring.
I went through this with my Ericson (for sale). It was the side lights. Out of the six units 3 of them were broken in one way or another. It’s impossible to disassemble them and I sure tried. When I phoned A&H Mr H actually answered the call. That was kinda cool but when he told me the price of the new ports I nearly dropped the phone. Out of the six ports I managed to make 3 open and function. The other 3 no longer open but look the same from the outside. The deck hatches on the Ericson (for sale) are Lewmar’s and only ridiculously expensive instead of insanely expensive. Did I mention the Ericson is for sale? lol.
The hatch in question is the one over the galley. I did cut the pin as shown in Paul’s picture. The cuts were made on each of the barrel segment ends. Of the six barrel segments five have the pin seized. Any non A@H replacement hatch is going to have to have almost the same dimensions as an A@H hatch as the mounting surface area is raised slightly above the rest of the deck. I’m going to go down to the boat get some measurements and do a little digging on alternatives.
Have you checked with Hammerhead Nautical Systems (www.hhns.ca)? This company is run by a former A&H employee and offers their own replacement parts and also rebuild services at a fraction of the A&H prices. I have used them for refit of another Hinterhoeller boat with great success and it was always a pleasure dealing with the owner directly.
Thanks for documenting this reconditioning of your hatch (hatches?)
Kudos for your well crafted and patient approach. I will come back to it if I encounter problems with mine.
