[abl1111]

I am new to Seacraft too. I am currently re-doing a '75 Sceptre ( 23') like yours except mine is an i/o.

There are some guys here who can help you w/ the ride aspect of it.

With regard to the flexi-hatch: I would not do a half ass repair - the consequences of the make-shift repair not working well and damaging the very valuable gelcoat/skin of the hatch is too great. The repair is not too bad if the non-skid skin is in good condition. It becomes a pain when the skin is compromised or damaged.

There are many threads on how to repair the hatch.

Basically, remove the hatch. Place on a flat table w/ the underside showing up. Use a grinder along the edges to remove the bottom glass. Then, carefully use a chisel to remove all the pcs of plywood squares - this is the pain in the ass part ! Grind smooth to the glass. Tape holes on gelcoat side so resin will not drip through.

Clean w/ acetone. Lay (2) pre-cut sheets of wetted-out mat on this smooth surface - roll out, and place a pc. of plywood ( I used 3/4" A/C plywood ) - measure your clearance under the floor to assure there is room for 3/4" - you may have room for only 1/2" ply.

You must make sure the table you are using is flat - or you will end up w/ a twisted hatch !

Note: I cut the plywood approx 1.5" short on all sides so the wood is NOT near the edges of the hatch. I also cut these edges on a 45 degree angle so when I lay glass on top - it will lay easier.

Lay plywood on top an either clamp w/ many large clamps or put a lot of cinder blocks or weight on the wood to firmly hold wood in place.

Let this set.

Next day -

Sand, to roughen, the 1.5" edges of the hatch where there is no wood. Clean entire area. Precut (2) plys of mat. Also, cut 3-4 pcs per side of 1.5" by the length of the side to-be-covered - to glass over the areas with no wood.

This 1.5" area will assure that no water will ever rot the hatch again.

Wet out the glass and lay it on the wood, covering the wood and extending to the edges of the hatch. Roll it out w/ a resin roller. Get all bubbles OUT. Lay in the pcs of 1.5" mat to fill in the " mote " area. Make it 3-4 pcs thick on each side.

Make sure all is laying flat and wet out good. Let is set.

When cured, re-drill holes for screws.

Oila... That is the right way to do it.

- Alan