For the spring refit I finally got the sliding hatch fixed. I made new wood runners for under the hatch, and glued fuzzy side velcro to the cabin for the lexan to slide one. It is important to stretch the velcro when glueing, and secure the ends with counter-sunk screws. This will hold everthing tight, and prevent the velcro from pulling up as time goes by. The hatch was still sticking during the last 3 or 4 inches of travel. Turns out the hatch cover had sagged with time, and was rubbing against the forward wood stop of the lexan. I shimmed the exterioir hinges where they attach to the cabin, using 1/8 inch rubber mat. Three pieces each did the trick, and now the hatch glides like its on air. I also replaced the two rubber bumpers on the back side of the hetch. Got some rubber plugs from Lowes and cut them to fit. A simple fix, but what a world of difference.
Also made some companionway doors out of oak. Hated messing with the hatch boards.
For bottom painting, jacked up the boat and trailer, then set the boat on a couple of beams made from 2x6s and plywood, suported by 4x4s. After lowing the trailer, I removed one bolt from each bunk suport, and flopped the bunks out of the way for painting, covering them with plastic sheeting to keep the paint off the carpet. I placed the aft support beam behind where the boat will sit on the bunks, so after putting the boat back on the trailer, I can remove the beams and paint the last 3 feet of the bottom unobstucted. I'll have to touch up the bottom where the forward beam was as well. Improvise, adapt, and overcome!
Also made some companionway doors out of oak. Hated messing with the hatch boards.
For bottom painting, jacked up the boat and trailer, then set the boat on a couple of beams made from 2x6s and plywood, suported by 4x4s. After lowing the trailer, I removed one bolt from each bunk suport, and flopped the bunks out of the way for painting, covering them with plastic sheeting to keep the paint off the carpet. I placed the aft support beam behind where the boat will sit on the bunks, so after putting the boat back on the trailer, I can remove the beams and paint the last 3 feet of the bottom unobstucted. I'll have to touch up the bottom where the forward beam was as well. Improvise, adapt, and overcome!
