Difficult hatch

[Spen]

I have a 77’ c30, it seems that the companionway hatch is too small. To slide it open requires all you’ve got. Has any one had similar problems? Do I need a new lid? H# 607…I have a 77’ c30, it seems that the companionway hatch is too small. To slide it open requires all you’ve got. Has any one had similar problems? Do I need a new Hatch? H# 607…

 

[Herb]

same problem

I had the same problem with a 22. I took the hatch cover off and cleaned and greased the track and that took care of the problem. About every spring a use a little lithum grease on the track and that keeps it sliding well. different boat But I think it is the same problemHerb

 

[robert taylor]

glide tape

as the mating surfaces wear down, the hatch begins to bind over time. i installed a product called japanese glide tape on the running surface beneath the hatch. the tape is a teflon or ptfe type tape designed to shim centerboards and rudders to make them slide up and down effortlessly. there are several marine places that carry it. google it up to find the closest one to you. this is easy to install. i have had it on my 380 for two years with no sign of wear.

 

[ED]

Tub Tape

The same idea as the glide tape but possibly easier to find is caulking tape from the plumbing supply section of your hardware store. Made to seal the seam between a tub or shower and the wall, the hard, smooth white plastic tape is about 1 inch wide, and has caulking adhesive on one side and a smooth surface on the other. Cut to size, peel away the paper from the caulk, and lay in the cleaned hatch track. Mine has lasted two years, and has provided smooth operation.

 

[patrick]

wash

Obviously it should be taken apart if you haven't already. there's probably some grit in there. As for lube the best thing I've found is parrafin wax. Yup, just plain old candle wax (heck use scented if you want!)just rub the candle on both surfaces until it starts to build up. It onlg gets smoother with time and it will never wash off. I've used this for the slide hatches for my H25 and C38 as well as on their sail tracks, travelers, genoa tracks, and interior drawers.