replacing slotted wood on sliding hatch

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

I would like to replace the slotted wood rails that my top fiberglass hatch slides in. Has anyone else done this? When you drilled angled holes in new wood, did you attempt to match to existing holes in cabin top fiberglass? If so, what method did you use to make new holes come out at proper location? Many thanks.

 

[hman]

Try using the old slides as a template to mark the new ones. I haven't done it yet, but it's something I have to do on my 23 too. That's what I'm planning on doing.

 

[Jonrod222]

I am replacing mine this weekend. I ordered them from D & R marine and they come in 6 foot lengths. I plan on drilling new holes in different locations. The wood is soft in a couple of holes, and the screws are about 5 to 6 inches from the ends of the boards, so I am going to move the holes closer to the ends to help keep them from warping. The warping is my main problem, the hatch gets stiff and loosens the screws and the wood gets wet.

 

[Scott On Eagles Wings]

Lance
I replaced mine a few years ago. To aling the holes put a cut of nail into the existing holes and leave them protruding about an eiight of an inch. Aling the new rails make sure you do both at once with the hatch in between and depress the new teak onto the nails. You will be in perfect allingment witht he existing holes. Good Luck Scott

 

[RichBone]

I just replaced my teak rails. The ones Rudy sent me are heavier then the originals. I drilled new holes in the fiberglass. Not a big deal. Just check the old rails so you don't drill in the same spot. You'll probably have to drill new holes anyhow because of the heavier rail. Brad point drill bits work great on gelcoat. Less chipping.

Rich

 

[Shoaldrafter]

Rails

I just replaced my teak rails. The ones Rudy sent me are heavier then the originals. I drilled new holes in the fiberglass. Not a big deal. Just check the old rails so you don't drill in the same spot. You'll probably have to drill new holes anyhow because of the heavier rail. Brad point drill bits work great on gelcoat. Less chipping.

Rich

I replaced mine with HDPE. Used router to cut groves. Costs about $60 to replace slider guides, hand rails and side trim.

Now I do not have to paint every year.

Ed K
26

 

[RECESS]

Fear Flat Stanely!

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

Thank you all for your answers. If I find my fiberglass holes are not wet or wollered out, I will probably use Scott's method to align. But I am sure I will use a little of everyone's advice before I am finished.