companionway cover sticking--again

[Tom Wootton]

I've read most of the references in the archives, and plan to use many of the tips offered. I've already replaced the bumpers on the wood rails---I think. There are only two, aren't there? Or are there two more at the other ends of the rails near the hinges? I've noticed two problems that I'm wondering about. The cover definitely sticks worse when hot, as many have noted. Some have said it's due to warping, but I'm not sure it isn't just simple expansion. In the heat of the day, the lexan panel edges are tight against the sides of the track on both sides. (This is in the aft position--before it slides onto the wood rails and under the hinged cover.) I'm thinking the panel needs about a sixteenth shaved off both edges. Is there any reason not to do this? If not, what's the best way to do it?The second problem I've noticed is on the teak board on the underside, running across the leading edge of the panel. One end of it has separated from the lexan about a sixteenth. I suspect the screw has stripped the wood. I imagine part of the function of this board is to reinforce the panel and keep it from bowing. I plan to glue in a dowel where this screw goes and reset it when I rebed this board. I'm hoping this will keep the top board from rubbing against the underside of the hinged cover, and allow the panel to fit into the forward groove at the end of its travel, instead of banging into the edge of it like it does now. Has anyone taken these steps, and what was the result?Thanks in advanceTom

 

[Ray]

Yes, and I waxed it again yesterday.

I removed material from the upper plastic covers with a belt sander. Re-spaced and reshimmed and it floated too and fro for about 2 months of very, very hard use. Yesterday I recleaned all the accessable surfaces at the docksite and rewaxed the lexan glass and side supports and it slides freely again.I was amazed at the amount of sand that had gotten into the hatch and slides, but with 7 grandkids swimming and running it is to be expected.Rays/v Speedy

 

[Tom Wootton]

Making sure I understand

Ray, I want to make sure we're talking about the same thing. The "upper plastic covers" could be the hatchboard panels or the side rail covers. I'm referring to the large rectangular horizontal lexan panel which forms the aft portion of the companionway (roof) cover. Is that the part you sanded? Thanks Tom

 

[Bob Schmit]

Dealer

Before doing the commisioning on our '96 H26 the dealer said he had to cut some of the edge off of the top hatch lexan but he didn't say how he did it. He may have said with a router. He explained that some of these are cut when it is relatively cold in Fl and they sometimes have to be made smaller when they expand and start to jamb. As for that little teak bit, it is important to keep it tight against the hatch plastic as it also acts to channel the rainwater into the side gutters on that hatch assly- without it tight you will get water onto the sole and it will quickly ruin it.

 

[Tom Wootton]

Done!

I used most of the tips from the forum (including some e-mailed details--thanks Ray). Removed and sanded bare all wood except the lip that tucks under the FG cover and forms a water dam. It was well bedded, so I left it in place and sanded the top edge. I varnished all wood 3 coats, and waxed the runners. I did trim a sixteenth off the width of the lexan, with a skilsaw. Used new bumpers, and spaced them up w/ SS washers. Companionway now looks and works like new. Almost done with other outfitting chores (battery relocation, depthsounder installation, rig tuning.) Maybe next weekend I can actually sail the thing!Thanks to allTom