Hatch removal

[jk kudera]

I need to rebed the hatches on deck of my Hunter 34, however, the bolts that hold the cover are frozen, has anyone removed their hatches? and what can I use to remove the hatch screws on the hinge end, if I cannot remove the hatch support. I also will replace the 32 year old gaskets.

 

[berner73]

Did you remove the hatch assembly from the frame yet? (Push/knock out the pin that secures the hatch to the frame at the hinge assembly - red circles below ). Once the lid is off, you'll have better access to the screws securing the frame that remains attached to the deck. You can try penetrating oil and then either an impact drill or impact screwdriver (the inexpensive one's from HF can work fine if you're careful). You may want to reinforce the deck from below when using the later depending on how hard you intend on striking it. I wouldn't go crazy as you risk damaging the frame and your deck. If you intend to apply heat, do so through a conduit (screw driver/punch) so it's directly applied to the screw and doesn't dissipate into the deck/gel coat.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I'm trying to use the impact tool on my track end caps. Been soaking them in PB Blaster for some time and still not coming loose. If I ever get them free, they are going back with some marine anti-seize.

 

[berner73]

Been soaking them in PB Blaster for some time

Really good stuff, but be very careful not to get it on the decks. BTDT.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Really good stuff, but be very careful not to get it on the decks. BTDT.

Yes. I'm careful to wipe it off when I do. It should have worked by now. It might work on jjk's hatch screws that aren't as large (and deep?).

 

[berner73]

A little thread drift, but our track end caps are secured underneath with a nut (it's a bolt/nut, not a screw). Do you have access to yours from below decks? Ours looks like this from above. If they're stuck it's best done as a 2 person job so you can put more force/torque on the nut and hold the bolt stationary from above. Once I got them free, I can now disassemble/reassemble on my own by using a pair of vice grips below decks with the handle secured against the hull or a bulkhead while I tighten from above (I use butyl tape to bed them).

 

[Justin_NSA]

Hunter seems to prefer embedding block material in the 'glass to screw into. It makes for a cleaner look, but corrosion can cause difficult issues.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Drill 'em and extract; use "left-hand" drill bit and the screws/bolts may back out as you drill (drill is set in reverse when using left-hand bits). If you do attempt the conduit heat approach, try using a high-wattage soldering iron to directly contact the screws.

 

[jk kudera]

Thanks for the information, I admit I didn't think of the hinge pins! I do have the tools I will need, and when the weather improves I will give it a try. Thanks again.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Rust Buster is the best stuff I have ever found for removing corroded fasteners.