Companionway hatch rail fasteners on 25.5

[BobKat]

I'm looking to replace the rails that hold the companionway hatch and need advise on how they are fastened. The previous owner (I highly doubt it came from Hunter this way) drilled holes thru the rails and used phillips head screws. And some holes were drilled through the pop top into the cabin and fastened with bolt/nut. It looks terrible. And someone could easily gain access by simply unscrewing the screws. So I'm asking what you have and what would be the most secure way to mount the rails. I attached a pic from the "photo gallery" to show what rails I'm talking about.Thanks in advance for all your input.Bobkat

 

[Scott]

Hatch Rails

My 84 25.5 rails are also attached with screws, although they don't go all the way through the poptop. I just make sure I rebed them everyear and have never had a problem with them.

 

[Steve5438]

Hatch Rails on 25.5

The hatch rails on my 25.5 are also attached with Phillips head screws and I think they're original. I'm the second owner and the original owner had never had them off.

 

[Boatbum]

Screws

Mine has the original screws. They are phillips head wood screws and do not penetrate through the poptop. Apparently someone tried to "improve" the orignal set up. If you do a good job of bedding the existing bolts, you may be able to improve the looks by using some more decorative stainless cap nuts. Never had a security issue with the screws. I expect it would be easier to simply break the teak rail or poptop or to break my hatch hasp/lock than dink with the screws if someone wanted entry anyway.