Hatch Friction Hinges

[kenvail]

The friction hinges on the two main hatches of my 2006 Hunter 38 are not keeping the hatch open. No matter how tight I turn the bolt, the hatch just slides down. Any tricks for giving the hinge more holding power?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

What make of hatch ?

 

[kenvail]

Lewmar

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

No matter how tight I turn the bolt, the hatch just slides down.

I can only take a wild guess and say that somehow, oil or grease has found its way into the hinge.

Try disassembling the hinge and ensuring it's clean inside which may improve the friction. Let us know how it goes.

 

[kenvail]

Been there, done that. No improvement.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Been there, done that. No improvement.

I'm presuming the bolt is getting tight when you tighten the hex head.

Can't understand how the frictional surfaces became so slippery but stranger things have happened.

My only suggestion would be to tear it apart again and evenly roughen all four frictional faces with some coarse emery paper. A little cursing and swearing and you may get the friction back again.

 

[kenvail]

Thanks. Will give it a shot tomorrow.

Are you still iced in up in BC? I was launched last week. Have a great season!

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Are you still iced in up in BC?

We're starting to thaw up here. I'm hoping to get out for the first time next week. Critical that the forced air heater be working 100% for the first overnighter.

Man, I'm getting soft in my dotage.

 

[HernandoBeacher]

I put Lewmar's Telescoping Stays on both hatches. No more slamming shut in water and they are reasonablay priced.

http://www.lewmar.com/products.asp?id=7935&channel=1

 

[Slipin Away]

On my Lewmar hatches 2006 45cc, there are tensioners on the two hinges where the hinge attaches to the frame either side of the large hinge you have shown. remove plastic cover and you will find access to them