Replacing transom fish box door on 03 express

[Mr. S]

Does anyone have any info on where I can get replacement doors for the fish box? One of mine is pretty well beat up, grady told me they don't make it anymore. Im sure it can be repaired but would prefer to just replace them if I could. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[DennisG01]

If this was something Grady made in house, which it sounds like you are saying it is, then there is no other place that would make it. You can search and search and search... and search some more online for a used one somewhere - maybe one from a wrecked boat. But that's about it. Otherwise, have a local glass shop repair or copy.

 

[everwhom]

I would think it would be relatively easy for a glass shop to fabricate for you. If you go that route, you might like to have them make a single hatch like the new ones. I ended up having both of my hatches permanently attached together to keep the rain out and make it seal better (also added a rubber seal).

 

[Hookup1]

I’m curious how big a market there would be for new Grady White hatches. Also what someone would pay for a new one.

I have 4 hatches on my Islander that should be replaced. Quality of construction from the factory is poor. They really should be layed up new in a mold.

Does anyone know what Grady White does with its old molds?

 

[Fishtales]

I’d say it was built in house by GW. I’d take the original to a fiberglass boat shop. They can fab one pretty easy (if they want too).

 

[DennisG01]

Does anyone know what Grady White does with its old molds?

Most manufacturer's only keep the molds for a certain number of years and then they scrap them. You can imagine how big the warehouse would have to be, otherwise.

Who remembers this:

 

[Hookup1]

Yep. I would assume that would be the case. Maybe a pile of old molds in the yard. I was at Buddy Davis in Wancheese years ago and saw that.

If you had the mold it would be economically feasible to make parts. Maybe find a perfect model to copy. But to make a proper mold with diamond non-skid from scratch I doubt you could sell enough of that one part for it to make sense.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I think BoatWorksToday had a youtube video on making a replacement hatch

 

[Fishtales]

I'd get a shop to do it. Pretty visible and important part of the boat.

 

[Hookup1]

A few hours work, materials, amortize mold cost/time. What would owners be will to pay for a new hatch?