Replace #60 (20”) Hatch with #77 (27”) on new Leopard 45

[RBBarrett]

Hey everyone. Would anyone know someone who replaced the front hatches of a Leopard 45 (Lewmar 60 low profile) with a slightly larger one (Lewmar 77 low profile)? Specs appear strong enough and it would let me add a Splendide vented combo washer dryer into the forepeak where there already is a spare head so all plumbing is there. Is it possible? Adds 150lbs so would likely not use underway but might be fine on anchor. Please offer your input. Thanks in advance.

[PippaB]

Not on a Leopard, but have done the same thing for the exact same reason on a different cat. Had a small bit of extra work in making the area for the rim of the hatch flat as it comes close to spanning the width of the hull at that location (so deck starts to get curvy), but not insurmountable. We also use the same area as our sail locker, makes getting the light-air sails out much easier.

The hatch has been through some pretty nasty weather without problems. Hull/deck strength I can’t speak to, but the larger hatch forward has not been a problem for us - YMMV.