Companionway Hatch Stuck!!

[Jason Thibaudeau]

The sliding lexan companionway hatch has been becoming increasingly sticky. I recently noticed metal filings in the track which led me to find a piece of wood jammed between the lexan and the aluminum track. It must have a screw in it or it wouldn't have damaged the aluminum. I have tried to pull it out with clothes hanger wire and a screwdriver but it won't budge. To remove the hatch it appears that I'd have to remove most of the deck to get at it.Has anyone had to remove this hatch? email jason_thibaudeau@hotmail.com

 

[Steve Dion]

Time consuming.

Jason:The project of removing the hood on these boats is time consuming but not impossible. You have about 50 or so screws to remove and then you would need to cut the caulking. I think I'd use some type of a solvent to melt the caulking too. You want to make sure that you do NOT crack the sea hood when your remove it. You will also need to remove the bolts for the traveler and anything else that is attached.Once you do that it sould come off. This also gives you a good chance to refinish and treat the wood under the slider. You should also consider plugging the forward end of the track. Be sure you have some help when lifting the hood off. If the hatch is not in great condition, you mite as well replace it when you have the hood off too.