Some details on replacing your front hatch:

If you want the hatch opening aft, no modern hatches will fit without a riser--they will hit the lip on the deck when opened. This is a problem with most boats built in Santa Cruz (Moore, Express, Olson, etc). If the hatch opening faces forward, it may stop on the mast before interfering with the lip.

On Express 27s, I've been installing Lewmar 60 medium profile hatches with a 3/4" riser made out of Starboard. I have a template for the riser so I can cut them out with a router. It adds to the cost ($140 for the Starboard, plus time to manufacture). I also put rubber door stops (from any hardware store) on the corners of the hatch to provide a better landing when the hatch is opened all the way.

I've been told that 3/4" is not enough riser for the Lewmar 60 low profile hatch.

I have not installed a new Lewmar Ocean 60 hatch, so cannot confirm the height of riser required.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions about hatch installs...

--brendan

:: I have a leaky seal and lots of crazing in my lewmar
:: hatch.

:: Replace it or fix it? I'm feeling lazy. Anyone has a
:: part # to replace/repair?