The sliding cover over the passageway warped from a heavy snowfall two years ago. I don't suppose there is an easy way to straighten it out, and I'm not sure how easy it is to get a replacement (I have made some inquiries). I could plane the lip so I can slide the hatch up and off, but that leaves the warped fiberglass cover. This is a 1995 Macgregor 26 which is otherwise is almost perfect condition. So it's worth whatever it takes to make a repair. Any suggestions.
fiberglass repair
- Thread starter Bernie Troje
- Start date
Not an expert on this but I would guess that taking it off and placing it on two sawhorses with some weight on the center to get it straitened out then apply some heat with a heat gun would take it out or at least reduce it.
You would have to be careful with the heat so you don't damage the fiberglass or gel coat.
You would have to be careful with the heat so you don't damage the fiberglass or gel coat.
You might want to have a couple of struts (supports) fabricated out of stainless and install them on a warm day or in a warm space. As you slowly tighten up the fastenings it should bring the hatch back to it's proper shape and keep it there without any further snow or wave damage.
One thing to keep in mind is the damage didn't happen overnight so the repair probably won't happen overnight either. As suggested, set the cover on a flat surface and place a few sand bags from Home depot on top. It will immediately flatten out but, just like a long stressful day at work, it will need time to relax. Do it now, then put the sand in your trunk come snow fall. Unless you've got front wheel drive of course.
I didn't think Macgregor used balsa, and used plywood instead. I know its plywood on the cabin sole, and on the fixed cabin roof