sliding hatch cover needs repair

[Robert Mann]

The runners for the hatch cover on my '85 C27 are pretty worn, as is the cabin roof where they slide. What kind of fixes have others' done to improve this? I want to fix it prior to the hatch's flanges wearing away completely.sailRmann@comcast.net

 

[Ken Palmer]

sliding hatch

Not sure what others have done, I plan sometime this summer doing this project. Here is my plan. Remove the slliding hatch, with it upside down tape along the edges of the slides making a small retaining dam, using west epoxy add a few layers at a time to build up the worn slides. sand and smooth back to orginal shape. On the teak tape the ends and fill the grove completely with epoxy, after it sets, re-cut the grove on a table saw and reinstall.Hope this helps you.Ken

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

UHMW

Hi Ken -I recently replaced my sliding hatch and used white UHMW for the sliders (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) The stuff is abrasion & stain resistant, easy to machine and very durable. Smooth on both sides, available in various thicknesses.You should be able to order it online, or pick it up at a plastics shop.Best,TrevorHope this helps.

 

[Don]

Sliding hatch fix

Somewhere in the 85 model year, Catalina changed from the wide hatch that fits in a groove in the teak strip, to the narrow hatch that slides directly on fiberglass. Sounds like you have the latter, as I do. On the advise of someone on the net, I bought some Japanese Glide Tape from APS (see link, click on HARDWARE and search for APSGT) for $15 for a 26ft roll. It is 3/4in wide teflon with adhesive back. The tape sticks to the boat and the hatch slides on top. No more schreetching and the hatch opens and closes with one finger.

 

[robert taylor]

glide tape is the answer

i used glide tape on my hatch. it has been on a year, with no sign of wear. i live aboard, so the hatch is used 10 to 20 times a day or more. it is great stuff