Companionway Hatch

[ramon orton]

The overhead companionway hatch (not hatch boards) on my 1987 Hunter 34 is difficult to open or close. The hatch is a flat plastic sheet (maybe lexan) and it slides on aluminum rails. It's not binding it just kind of galls. It doesn't appear to be damaged in any way. I've tried many kinds of lubricants including ivory soap. None of the lubricants have made it worse. Has anyone found a solution to this problem?
Thanks Much
Ray Orton

 

[Allan12210]

The overhead companionway hatch (not hatch boards) on my 1987 Hunter 34 is difficult to open or close. The hatch is a flat plastic sheet (maybe lexan) and it slides on aluminum rails. It's not binding it just kind of galls. It doesn't appear to be damaged in any way. I've tried many kinds of lubricants including ivory soap. None of the lubricants have made it worse. Has anyone found a solution to this problem?
Thanks Much
Ray Orton

Ray,

This article describes the action of the hatch sliding on a wooden piece at the very back of the acrylic or lexan (I don't know which). Either the area has become contaminated with dirt or the wood has somehow come loose and is binding. Either way, this person's solution was to elevate the seahood to fix it.

http://people.maine.com/wiltjer/sail_brs_seahood.htm

 

[Ivan]

Spray lube

My 356 hatch has the same setup--plastic sliding on aluminum rails. Whenever it gets really hard to slide I just spray some dry lube on it and it slides nicely for weeks, then requires a re-squirting. The dry lube contains powdered Teflon in some organic liquid solvent, which evaporates quickly leaving a Teflon film. There are several brands on the market.

 

[wufibugs]

There was a thread about this problem a long while back. Someone posted some good pictures of rebuilding that track which can wear over time. The thread may have originated with the screeching that worn tracks make.

 

[chuckwayne]

Re: Spray lube

there's supposed to be a felt strip set into the aluminum track on each side to allow the plexi to slide smoothly on the 356 - mine fell out a long time ago, so I also use the dry lube (sailkote works well)

 

[srhummer]

I had issues on my 85 H34 sliding the componionway top. I got relief by just using a pressure water spray into the cover. Covered inside in case and sprayed in spurts until the output was good and clear. Mine slides much easier now.

 

[Monty VM]

mine sticks when dust builds up. when i wash the boat and the hood it slides very well.