Engine Hatch 2000 SAN? hinge stripped

[jslow68]

First off I am not a fan of the engine hatch with the actuator. I think simple is better. The hinge closest to the actuator pulled out from the sun deck. It had issues when I bought it. It is not the original hinge. When I had it at the dealer they said it needed attention, so they were going to fix it. When I went to pick up the boat. They said they didn't charge me for it. I know why, because I think they made it worse.

My problem is try to access the back side of the sundeck without damaging the vinyl. Do they make some sort of metal treaded anchor that I could install?? It would be ideal to use some stainless back plate, but again I cant get at the back under the vinyl.

Does anyone have an Idea of some kind of fastener I could use? Or another idea on how to fix it?

[Chexi]

This is going to be ugly.

Do this on a sunny day.

Step 1. Remove all hinges from hull of boat and take hatch off of boat.
Step 2. Carefully remove the staples from the welt and vinyl around the bad hinge on the hatch, taking care not to rip the vinyl. Remove only the minimum necessary to do step 3.
Step 3. You can now access the other side of the bolts. Tighten the bolts and the hinge. You may want to apply some JB Weld or something to try to lock these in place. Be careful to tent the vinyl if you do so that it does not touch the vinyl when setting up.
Step 4. After the sun has gotten the vinyl nice and warm, re-install it. Hopefully you can stretch it enough. A second set of hands is nice. Use stainless or monel staples. You might not be able to get stapled directly under the hinge, but the welt will help keep it down.

Ideally, when re-skinning, you staple this aft edge first, then you can fully staple under the hinges when the other side is not yet stapled, install the hinges, and then staple the fore-side of the hatch.

This is just my idea. Others will post too.

[crobi2]

If you do it, please take pictures and post!

[jslow68]

I was thinking about doing a Helicoil and some sort of adhesive. I really don't fell comfortable tear the vinyl off. I might stop at Fastenal and see if they can recommend some sort of fastener. I'm just woried about the pressure on the hinge is going to be too much.

[jslow68]

What do you guys think about using somthing like this with some marine adhesive??
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...0125626&ucst=t

[jslow68]

What do you guys think about using somthing like this with some marine adhesive??
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...0125626&ucst=t

Update:
I ended up buying 1/4 20 stainless bolts with locking nuts and fender washers. I removed the vinyl and installed them with locktite also. I then used and electric stapler and reattached the vinyl. It was a lot easier than I had thought. I just don't like messing with old vinyl in case it cracks. Now the hatch is much stronger than how it was originally made.