new member with question

[glide]

Hi all, I have A question that hopefully someone can help with.

The Plexiglas sliding cover on the H23 I have just bought is VERY tight and nearly impossible to move, I hope this does not mean the boat is weak causing it to squeeze the cover together. Can I use a hand plane to shave it down 1/8'' to allow it to move easier or is there a better way to do it? I see a lot of these that have cracked windows, like mine, Is that a sign of a weak hull?

I have searched to find a way to use a 12 volt wench to raise the mast, but didn't find anything. The 2 times I have raised it, it nearly broke me down. I see so many posts using different methods to make it easier and being lazy it would seem a 12 volt wench with a cord would be a good idea, I could keep it centered and just push a button, just a thought. So what do you think?

The boat I bought is nearly a basket case, and for now I just want to get out on the water, If it turns out that it's something I like I can goof around with fixing stuff like the shine on the deck, and the poor interior later on.

I did take it out for a hour or two just to see if I could even guide it, and boy was it great. I have no motor so a buddy with a bass boat went along to pull me to the dock if I couldn't get her back, surprisingly enough I did get back and more shocking was that I was lucky enough to sail it onto the trailer...didn't have to get my feet wet.

forgive my lack of knowledge in the proper names for the sailboat parts, That will come with time..thanks for any advise on the windows and wench..GLIDE

 

[twodzusfittings]

My companion way sliding top also stuck slightly when I first got it. I removed the track covers and the lid, cleaned the track areas and laid down Teflon coated tape. While I had the tack covers out I epoxied rubber stoppers where the lid meets the end to avoid damage when forcing the sliding lid back. It works great, has not de laminated itself. I highly recommend such an easy fix.

 

[Rich Stidger]

On my 40.5 the sliding cover would become very tight on a hot day, and less tight on a cold day. I removed the slider and used a belt sander to remove about 1/16" on each side. Problem solved.

This is something that you really want to fix because it is a safety issue if you are inside and cannot get out quickly.

 

[isaksp00]

My H23 is similar, though maybe not quite so tight as yours. Mine binds where the fiberglass cover's front edge bends down and touches the top surface of the plexiglass slider. I have not bothered to fix mine yet, but I'd remove the teak strips that hold the slider down, remove it and sand the bottom edge of that glass hatch - I would not try to plane down the actual plexiglass, if that is what you mean.

I use a block and tackle (two pulleys in each block), and a gin pole to raise/lower, using a jib sheet winch. That works pretty well due to the mechanical advantage. You will need at least 2 helpers to steady the mast sideways, and to help unpin the foot and slide it forward (assuming you are lowering); it is a rather long and heavy mast, and due to the length the mast will want to tilt back off the stern after it has been lowered and is in the mast crutch. There is more weight behind the crutch than in front when it is pinned at the foot.

 

[glide]

On my 40.5 the sliding cover would become very tight on a hot day, and less tight on a cold day. I removed the slider and used a belt sander to remove about 1/16" on each side. Problem solved.

This is something that you really want to fix because it is a safety issue if you are inside and cannot get out quickly.

sounds like a easy way to deal with it..thanks

 

[BrianW]

The sliding hatch cover on my H26 binds only when my mast is dropped. I would hold off on any action any try it out based on its performance with the mast up. BrianW

 

[glide]

The sliding hatch cover on my H26 binds only when my mast is dropped. I would hold off on any action any try it out based on its performance with the mast up. BrianW

Never would have thought if that, I can see how weight on top could spread it apart some. thanks.

 

[John23883]

Add these feet

This solved the problem on my H26