The houdini hatch on my project Shetland Black Hawk used to have a black anodised paint finish which is now flaking with the aluminium (I think) showing through. The other window frames have been poorly painted in some sort of hammerite.
Has anyone removed a houdini hatch off the boat before to restore? Can anyone recommend the best way to remove and restore it and wether I need to buy rubber seals etc.
I've just bought some black Mercury outboard spray paint to tidy up the bottom of my engine. Do you think this would be a good choice to spray the hatch black again? Ideally I'd like a tough paint that won't scratch easily.
Many thanks in anticipation of your advice.
Thanks
Billy
Shetland 640 - Jessica Marie - Worcestershire Avon
I had a leaking Houdini hatch and when I looked into overhauling it the general consensus was that it couldn't be done and that replacemet was the only option. The Houdini is actually a poor design where water puddles on the lid- 40 years later they still have the same poor design. I was tempted to buy an alternative make, but the thought of a straight replacement without having to drill new holes etc led me to buy another.
I contacted Eagle Boat Windows who specialise in overhauling windows and they said they wouldn't touch it.
Edit- just reread your post and you are looking to paint it.
I used to have some spray paint years ago in a black an yellow tin. It was sold to recondition motorbike engine casings. It was simple to apply, was designed for aluminium and dried with an anodized type of finely textured finish. It was also as hard as nails when it had fully gone off.
This was 20 years ago. It is probably illegal now because it probably contained endangered bats wings, but if you could find some of that you could be on to a winner.
Not wanting to put down Hammerite (I've used enough of it in the past) This stuff is way out of that league. The satin finish is awesome, and as good as anodising.
I'm going to get a tin of that motorcycle paint Deano.
My plan is to remove the paint in situ by the use of a hot air gun on the lower setting and a paint shave. I plan to use two heavy duty plumbers heat pads either side of the frame, one protecting the perspex window and one protecting the gelcoat from the heat. I'll then mask the whole area and spray.
Has anyone used black Sikaflex to seal a window? I'm wondering what to use.
Regards
Billy
Shetland 640 - Jessica Marie - Worcestershire Avon
Painting a houdini hatch
Posted - 22 Feb 2012 : 23:00:23
