We had a little problem with leaking hatch boards on our 1994 H26 "Solace", especially in the torrential rains we have been having about every afternoon recently. One problem area was that the plexiglass panels are not exactly as long as the opening, and that the ends of these panels do not parallel the opening precisely. Over the Memorial Day weekend, I tried something that seems to be working, so I thought I'd pass it on. I took a roll of self-adhesive foam rubber stripping of the kind sold in automotive stores to seal the joint between a truckbed and a bed cover, and split it lengthwise, resulting in a strip about 3/4 inch wide and 28 inches long. By stretching it lengthwise (which makes it narrower), I was able to bed it into the channel created by the extrusion on each side which holds the hatch boards into place. This leaves a spongy rubber "gasket" about 1/4 inch thick at each end of the boards. The combination of the adhesive, gravity, the hatch boards, and the tight jam has held these in place, so far. The first time you replace the boards, take care to press each panel gently down into the gasket, or otherwise big gaps will occur between the panels. So far, no water! Rusty Fitzgerald S/V "Solace"
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Michael Bell
While your away from the boat...
I would suggest a companion-way cover, sunbrella with a mosquito net covered window with flap. It's a nice way to put the boat to bed for the week, and easier to close up for the night while sleeping aboard.
I would suggest a companion-way cover, sunbrella with a mosquito net covered window with flap. It's a nice way to put the boat to bed for the week, and easier to close up for the night while sleeping aboard.
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John
For Michael Bell - Companion Way Cover
I have been trying to find a companion way cover for my Hunter 240. Did you have one made or did you buy one? I was sort of hoping I could find one pre-made. I don't like the camper top the hunter sells. Thanks, John
I have been trying to find a companion way cover for my Hunter 240. Did you have one made or did you buy one? I was sort of hoping I could find one pre-made. I don't like the camper top the hunter sells. Thanks, John
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Gayle
Companion Way Cover
I know of several people with Hunter 240's and 260's with the same problem. The panels are just not long enough. Try having the dealer order longer boards from Hunter and/or have someone fabricate a cover. If you know someone with sewing skills and a sturdy sewing machine, it is a simple project.
I know of several people with Hunter 240's and 260's with the same problem. The panels are just not long enough. Try having the dealer order longer boards from Hunter and/or have someone fabricate a cover. If you know someone with sewing skills and a sturdy sewing machine, it is a simple project.
Companion way cover
Rusty: The companion way cover serves a multitude of functions. First it keeps the majority of the rain off the companionway. It also keeps the boat cleaner, the leaves and dirt do not blow in and help (does not prevent the insects). Keeps the companion way board from needing to be refinished as often too. If it is cool out we just pull the cover down without the boats being in place. Keeps the wind out and the warmth in. We had ours made for under $100. You may check in the HOW store to see if they have them or see if a local canvas shop can make one for you.
Rusty: The companion way cover serves a multitude of functions. First it keeps the majority of the rain off the companionway. It also keeps the boat cleaner, the leaves and dirt do not blow in and help (does not prevent the insects). Keeps the companion way board from needing to be refinished as often too. If it is cool out we just pull the cover down without the boats being in place. Keeps the wind out and the warmth in. We had ours made for under $100. You may check in the HOW store to see if they have them or see if a local canvas shop can make one for you.
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Dave Condon
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Rusty Fitzgerald
Still Do . . .
live in Charlottesville. The boat, however, is in Regent Point Marina on the Rappahannock. . .
live in Charlottesville. The boat, however, is in Regent Point Marina on the Rappahannock. . .
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Ned Christensen
Sunbrella Cover
Sorry about the late post on this subject. I have been away. I agree with Mike Bell. We have a great sunbrella cover that covers the entire companionway - horizontal, and vertical. The vertical part over the hatch boards has an inner mesh layer, of the kind sheet bags are made of. That way you can let in fresh air and keep most bugs out. It keeps out water, insures privacy, and keeps you from having to put in the boards all the time when you are in a marina - just pull down the flap. Both solid and mesh layers are weighted in the bottom with sand, to keep them down. This is the best single improvement we have made on our H 26. The cover was custom made and cost us $175.00.
Sorry about the late post on this subject. I have been away. I agree with Mike Bell. We have a great sunbrella cover that covers the entire companionway - horizontal, and vertical. The vertical part over the hatch boards has an inner mesh layer, of the kind sheet bags are made of. That way you can let in fresh air and keep most bugs out. It keeps out water, insures privacy, and keeps you from having to put in the boards all the time when you are in a marina - just pull down the flap. Both solid and mesh layers are weighted in the bottom with sand, to keep them down. This is the best single improvement we have made on our H 26. The cover was custom made and cost us $175.00.
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Dean Taylor
Companionway doors
Rusty: I purchased and installed a set of teak companionway doors for my '94 H26 and love them. They aren't cheap but well worth the effort and $$'s.They are screened and also have removable smoked plexy inserts. They slip off and onto the hinges in seconds. I certainly prefer them to the hatchboards although agree that the boards would be sturdier in real blue water situations. Regards Dean Taylor "Arctic Mist"
Rusty: I purchased and installed a set of teak companionway doors for my '94 H26 and love them. They aren't cheap but well worth the effort and $$'s.They are screened and also have removable smoked plexy inserts. They slip off and onto the hinges in seconds. I certainly prefer them to the hatchboards although agree that the boards would be sturdier in real blue water situations. Regards Dean Taylor "Arctic Mist"
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Dennis Brewer
Doors need a cover
I got the cover from the Emporium and it is great, serving several functions. One reason I got it, was in anticipation of getting the doors, which I would certainly want to keep covered.
I got the cover from the Emporium and it is great, serving several functions. One reason I got it, was in anticipation of getting the doors, which I would certainly want to keep covered.
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