RWO Hatch O-Rings

Have you got these?

It is an RWO hatch cover - found on some Solos. The o-rings inside the hatch that stop water getting in need replacing every now and then. The replacement ones seemed expensive, so I had a look on eBay for an alternative.

The first thing to know is which size hatch cover you have. RWO do a range of sizes:

100mm (4 inch)

• Cut Out Size: 108mm
• Opening Size: 100mm
• Overall Diameter: 135mm
• Fastenings: 6 x 3mm
• Code: 860823 - White
• Code: 860824 - Black

125mm (5 inch)

• Cut Out Size: 140mm
• Opening Size: 125mm
• Overall Diameter: 150mm
• Fastenings: 6 x 3mm
• Code: 860825 - White
• Code: 860826 - Black

150mm (6 inch)

• Cut Out Size: 157mm
• Opening Size: 150mm
• Overall Diameter: 185mm
• Fastenings: 8 x 3mm
• Code: 860827 - White
• Code: 860828 - Black

They also do larger hatches too.

I came to the conclusion the ones in my boat are the 5 inch variety, mainly cos the cutout size seemed to be around 140mm:

The o-rings are readily available from chandlers, but not cheap (I have 3 hatch covers and all needed new o-rings)...

(plus postage)

The trick is to know what size o-ring you need. After a bit of research, the answer for me is: 130mm diameter - 3mm thick. 

On eBay I found...

Also worth knowing: use some Vaseline on the o-ring when fitting, otherwise the hatch gets stuck.