Jib sheet gets caught in f'wd hatches

[Richard Skipworth]

I have a '87 Hunter 34, and have on several occasions had to go forward after (or during) tacking to remove my (now) windward jib sheet from in-between the deck and the hatch lip on either the forward hatch or the two smaller hatches over the head areas. There is a gap (about 5/8") between the deck and the hatch lip. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you solve it? I have been thinking about mounting wooden "triangles" to direct the sheets over the hatches. I cant believe I didn't notice this before I bought the boat!R. Skipworth"Enchantress"

 

[Derek Rowell]

Yep - it's a problem!

I've cursed at this problem for 17 years The only thing I've found is to have the helmsnan keep a little tension on the sheet as it is released so that it doesn't flail around on the deck and get caught under the hatch.Derek

 

[Fave C.]

A couple of solutions

Had the same problem on my '86 model 34.One boat I saw ('84) had attached some teak strips with rounded ends just aft of the offending hatches. The other fellow had used stainless steel hand rails in the same position.

 

[Dick Hall]

Cheap alternative

A friend with Bomar hatches has a cheaper solution. He has simply laid an appropriate diameter rope around the perimeter of the hatch frame, cut out for hinges etc. I don't think it's glued down, but it could be. The rope compresses a bit under the hatch lid and prevents another rope from catching.

 

[viktor]

corner fillets

My '85 34 has teak fillets on each of the offending corners. They work great and haven't had a problem in 8 years. I keep them varnished and they add a nice touch. I also put one at the base of the spinnaker pole track, on the front of the mast, to stop the hang ups there. Still working on a good fix, instead of tape, for where the chainplate fitting go into the deck.