Hatch cover AGONY!

[piper1277]

On our 7 year old H36, the acrylic hatch cover has become very difficult to open and close and is usually accompanied by a hair raising SCREECH! We have not tried to disassemble yet, but am looking for input on whether this slides on some sort of trim material which may have worn out. I know there is trim on the sides of the hatch cover but since it doesn't slide ON this, I doubt this is the problem.

Anyone have any help to offer before we start taking things apart?

Piper1277

 

[Rich Stidger]

My sliding acrylic hatch cover on my 1997 h40.5 would bind when it got hot from the sun. It was to the point that it was very difficult to open and it was a safety issue. I removed the cover and sanded both of the side edges where it was binding against the metal track. No problem since then.

On my boat the hatch is held by a strip of material that is attached to the forward edge. I removed the cover over the organizer and lines to reveal the front edge and the strip to be removed. After the strip was removed, the hatch easily slide out into the cockpit. Without a picture, I can't tell you if your setup is similar.