Hatch Squeak

[Dave]

My companionway hatch squeaks horribly when I slide it open. Tried spraying silicone in it, but no change. I have resigned myself to removing it and replacing what ever is between the hatch and the cabin top, but I don't know what is between them. Hard to believe it was just a fiberglas-to-fiberglas connection. Anyone ever do it? Could use some suggestions before I tear the teak pieces off to get at it.

 

[Dave Viglierchio]

Same Problem

I had the same problem and my neighbors were plenty annoyed. I tried silicone too with no improvement. Finally I hosed out the slot in between where they rub and siliconed it well on the sides while holdng the hatch up as best I could and finally it quit screeching altogether. I think it was grit. You have to work the hatch back and forth while holding it up off what it slides on. Good luck.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Slides

Don't you have two teak slides that the hatch fits into on either side? Mine still screeches even though I have them but I'd bet that if I ground the hatch a little where it meets the companionway it would help.LaDonna

 

[Dave]

No Teak Under Slides

The teak fits over the hatch to keep it from moving side to side or up. From what I can see, the hatch slides directly on the cabin top, fiberglas directly on fiberglas. Would seem to me that there should be a stip of something (teflon, plastic, metal, ???) between the two pieces, but I can't see anything. There appears to be alot a wear on the cabin top, which can't be good.FYI: I've got an 84 Cat 27.

 

[Rob Rich]

Older Cat 27's cradle the hatch in teak....

Like LaDonna said. The teak forms a U-shaped rail (like a U in its side) and the hatch ends fit into the depression of the U. You could check and see if an older c-27 rail was available,and see if it would fit on your boat. However, I still get that squeak even with varnished and unvarnished surfaces. I would also be somewhat concerned over tolerences, however, as you might end up with leaks around the Hatch boards.Look on the bright side, if that is your chief concern, your boat must be in damned good shape! Rob

 

[Frank Gazzano]

Squeak Solved

I solved this problem on my C22 by using a length of webbing as a spacer to elevate the teak rails slightly to create a clearance gap so the hatch wouldn't rub anymore. As a final touch I gave the hatch a coat of silicone and it now glides open and shut with one finger.