79 C&C hatch cover

[Wm. Gill]

One of this year's projects is to fix the drip in my hatch that's ruining the laminate floor (also to be repaired soon). It looks simple enough to remove the cover. There are a number of Philips head screws along both sides (see image) and a bolt & bracket. Experience suggests what looks simple frequently has some surprises lurking. Has anyone removed, and reinstalled a hatch cover (not sure that's proper nomenclature, so correct me if I'm wrong) like this? What should I be aware of before proceeding to remove it?

Thanks, in advance for your help.

 

[FastOlson]

The cover plate/top that your hatch slides under is usually called a "sea hood" or a "hatch garage".
It was probably attached with both adhesive sealant and those screws. Once the fastenings are out, try separating it with a bunch (many.....) of thin wedges, and you may have to heat the material to soften the old sealant bond. Hopefully someone with a sister ship will have more precise details.

 

[DArcy]

I had a 1974 C&C27, the 30 is basically the same design, just bigger. When I removed the hood off the main hatch I just removed the screws and lifted it off. I didn't take much prying at all. Mine was slightly different than yours, it didn't have the "arms" reaching back and the slides were exposed when the hatch was open.

 

[Wm. Gill]

I had a 1974 C&C27, the 30 is basically the same design, just bigger. When I removed the hood off the main hatch I just removed the screws and lifted it off. I didn't take much prying at all. Mine was slightly different than yours, it didn't have the "arms" reaching back and the slides were exposed when the hatch was open.

It's under those "arms" that I need to work to seal the crack that's leaking. I will proceed carefully assuming there' is adhesive. If I assume there is an adhesive I won't accidentally crack or break the hood. If there is none so much the better.