Alloy hatches: Vetus vs Gebo

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  • 22 Mar 2025 03:52
    Reply # 13477613 on 13475267
    Mark wrote:

    All these hatches are single glazed, so is condensation an issue.

    i guess the glass Houdini worse

    Where are you thinking of going, Mark?  You can always fit temporary cling film double glazing, but most of the time, simply refraining from dogging the hatch, eliminates the issue of condensation.  As most of us are in harbour for the vast majority of the time, this is generally feasible.  Not many boats have double-glazed windows and very few plastic boats have any insulation at all, unless they have cored decks.  Indeed, the worst drips, from hatches, tend to come from the alloy frames rather than the glazing. 
  • 16 Mar 2025 22:29
    Reply # 13475372 on 5075051
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Bonsoir

    I'm changing the Mingming hatch for a bigger one (Houdini) , a  more like the Mingming II hatch. It is doubled glass.

    The previous one was single glass but Roger, in his books, didn't report any condensation issue about it.

    Eric

    Last modified: 16 Mar 2025 22:30 | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • 16 Mar 2025 14:41
    Reply # 13475267 on 5075051

    All these hatches are single glazed, so is condensation an issue.

    i guess the glass Houdini worse

  • 16 Mar 2025 13:20
    Reply # 13475259 on 5075051
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Bonjour

    Mingming is also equipped with a Houdini hatch; no leak.

    Eric

  • 14 Mar 2025 11:08
    Reply # 13474695 on 5075051

    (Just for information in case anyone else is looking for a hatch)

    Houdini hatches are still being made in Southminster, Essex, UK.  The company has been going for over 50 years and replacement seals, hinges and handles are available.  I have one on my Hunter Duette, 35 years old, and no leaks (yet).

    The hatches use toughened glass and the handles are secured through the frame, not the glass.  A simple ventilation stay is fitted to all but the largest model.

    The design/materials won't be to everyone's needs/liking, but worth a look.  Can be purchased without much trouble from UK chandlers.  Not sure about overseas sales.  More info at https://www.houdini-marine.co.uk/hatches 

  • 28 Feb 2025 15:53
    Reply # 13469041 on 13468893
    Anonymous wrote:

    My Gebo hatch, now four years in use, has yet to leak, but while it has been subject to torrential rain, I haven't had 'blue water' breaking over it.  The friction hinges are useless  and although they are supposed to be adjustable, taking off the end fitting to get to the adjustmen,t damages the plastic (unless there is some magic technique).  Like every alloy hatch I've lived with, with the exception of the superb Canpa hatches on Badger, I have resorted to propping it open with a stick.  The galley hatch has no name on it but I think, it's a Lewmar.  It's only small and has just the one catch.  It's hard work to shut, but hasn't leaked yet.  It too requires a prop to keep it open.

    I think the business of putting the handles through the acrylic is just asking for trouble and a very stupid idea.  I never dog my hatches unless it's raining heavily, or blowing a gale in order to extend the life of the gaskets.

    Thanks, this was helpful.   I have gone ahead and ordered a Gebo hatch.  
  • 28 Feb 2025 06:11
    Reply # 13468893 on 5075051

    My Gebo hatch, now four years in use, has yet to leak, but while it has been subject to torrential rain, I haven't had 'blue water' breaking over it.  The friction hinges are useless  and although they are supposed to be adjustable, taking off the end fitting to get to the adjustmen,t damages the plastic (unless there is some magic technique).  Like every alloy hatch I've lived with, with the exception of the superb Canpa hatches on Badger, I have resorted to propping it open with a stick.  The galley hatch has no name on it but I think, it's a Lewmar.  It's only small and has just the one catch.  It's hard work to shut, but hasn't leaked yet.  It too requires a prop to keep it open.

    I think the business of putting the handles through the acrylic is just asking for trouble and a very stupid idea.  I never dog my hatches unless it's raining heavily, or blowing a gale in order to extend the life of the gaskets.

  • 27 Feb 2025 13:30
    Reply # 13468467 on 5075051

    I fitted 2 spanking new Goiot deck hatches and one of them has leaked from the first time it got rained on - it leaks between the frame and the "glass" and clearly hasn't been bedded properly.

    I contacted some time ago them via their contact form on their website. They haven't had the decency to respond!

  • 26 Feb 2025 18:05
    Reply # 13468106 on 5076998
    Anonymous wrote:
    Antoine Maartens wrote:

    Fitted a GeBo to Siskin. No leaks, no worries.

    Highly recommended.

    Siskin might be wreck - that hatch will work....

    Aha!  First hand experience from someone sailing with a current model.  What I wanted to hear.  I can get one of these at a very good price: I shall put it towards the top of the list.

    BTW I just spoke to the Freeman Marine importer - he told me that the hatches are designed for superyachts and very heavy.  Not appropriate for my wee boat.


    Hi, I wonder how your Gebo hatch is performing now a few years on.  I'm looking at one for my Corribee, thanks
  • 16 Sep 2017 10:43
    Reply # 5263371 on 5075051

    It's been pooring down here the last couple of weeks - really! No leaks. No leaks when ounder way either. I'd recommend the Gebo to anyone.

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