Topping lift gave way, boom came down, hit the sliding companionway hatch, cracked a corner off it... time to replace! has anyone done this? can you recommend a source? any ideas/hints?? thanks all.
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Relacement source
We have an excellent source of replacement plastics here in the Milwaukee area. They can ship you a blank piece for you to cut or if you send them the part they will manufacture a replacement. They are Midland Plastics Inc. 1-800-456-0011
We have an excellent source of replacement plastics here in the Milwaukee area. They can ship you a blank piece for you to cut or if you send them the part they will manufacture a replacement. They are Midland Plastics Inc. 1-800-456-0011
There is another thread on this exact topic.
Do a search on it. There were a lot of discussion on this just about a feew weeks or so ago. It may be in the archive. Do a search on repair companionway slide, or something similar.
Do a search on it. There were a lot of discussion on this just about a feew weeks or so ago. It may be in the archive. Do a search on repair companionway slide, or something similar.
Buy some polycarbonate
I bought some polycarbonate from this company some years ago to replace a companionway hatch on a C&C. A piece 1/2 x 24 x 36 or so was only about $60 and well worth it. They will also cut a custom piece to your dimensions. See link.
I bought some polycarbonate from this company some years ago to replace a companionway hatch on a C&C. A piece 1/2 x 24 x 36 or so was only about $60 and well worth it. They will also cut a custom piece to your dimensions. See link.
Replacement Hatch
Try Maritime Plastics Inc. at 110 Severn Ave., Annapolis 21403 (phone 410-263-4424). They made some stuff for me in the past and I have bought sheet material from them for my own fabrication projects. Also, check Yellow Pages for your area. I used to buy small pieces of stock from Reed Plastics in Rockville. However, many suppliers will only sell full sheets which is way overkill for your purposes. If all else fails, you can probably glue the parts back together but that calls for a special adhesive - I think that Lord 7550 (2-part urethane epoxy) will do but suggest that you call Lord Corp. tech support first. Most of the more exotic Lord adhesives come in 50 ml dispensers and can cost between $20 and $30. I would prefer a new hatch rather then glue an old one together even if the glue joint is probably as strong as the base material.
Try Maritime Plastics Inc. at 110 Severn Ave., Annapolis 21403 (phone 410-263-4424). They made some stuff for me in the past and I have bought sheet material from them for my own fabrication projects. Also, check Yellow Pages for your area. I used to buy small pieces of stock from Reed Plastics in Rockville. However, many suppliers will only sell full sheets which is way overkill for your purposes. If all else fails, you can probably glue the parts back together but that calls for a special adhesive - I think that Lord 7550 (2-part urethane epoxy) will do but suggest that you call Lord Corp. tech support first. Most of the more exotic Lord adhesives come in 50 ml dispensers and can cost between $20 and $30. I would prefer a new hatch rather then glue an old one together even if the glue joint is probably as strong as the base material.
Ted, I'm not so sure that you want polycarbonate
for your slider. It was explained to me that (Lexan) is stiff and prone to cracks in that application. (You can walk on it.) Hunter used Plexiglas so I did the same with the replacement on my H34. You could try glue. (actually solvent) Just ask the 'plastic store'. My vendor gives small cans away for free. It's the same solvent used to build all those plexi products you see in stores. Easy to do. I tried it on a crack on my slider and didn't like the results so I just replaced it. But on the H34, 'just' replacing it is not going to happen. First you have to lift the sea-hood. It has to rise high enough so as to get a screw driver under it to remove two screws that secure a travel stopper. The stopper is just a piece of teak. But the screws have to come out or the slider won't move rearward in its' aluminum track. Plan on removing the sea-hood ENTIRELY and re-bedding it. That means the traveler has to come off too. But only two bolts hold it down to the cabin top. Remove the end stops and you'll find 'em. They MUST BE REMOVED or the sea-hood and thusly the slider, stays put. Big job dude. Just remember to remove ALL of the old silicone or the new stuff won't adhere. Again, big job dude. Oh, don't be dropping that boom! Get a Boomkicker.
for your slider. It was explained to me that (Lexan) is stiff and prone to cracks in that application. (You can walk on it.) Hunter used Plexiglas so I did the same with the replacement on my H34. You could try glue. (actually solvent) Just ask the 'plastic store'. My vendor gives small cans away for free. It's the same solvent used to build all those plexi products you see in stores. Easy to do. I tried it on a crack on my slider and didn't like the results so I just replaced it. But on the H34, 'just' replacing it is not going to happen. First you have to lift the sea-hood. It has to rise high enough so as to get a screw driver under it to remove two screws that secure a travel stopper. The stopper is just a piece of teak. But the screws have to come out or the slider won't move rearward in its' aluminum track. Plan on removing the sea-hood ENTIRELY and re-bedding it. That means the traveler has to come off too. But only two bolts hold it down to the cabin top. Remove the end stops and you'll find 'em. They MUST BE REMOVED or the sea-hood and thusly the slider, stays put. Big job dude. Just remember to remove ALL of the old silicone or the new stuff won't adhere. Again, big job dude. Oh, don't be dropping that boom! Get a Boomkicker.
Go to Hunter for a new Slider Hatch
Try Hunter for your replacement slider hatch. Their prices are very reasonable, and you could just send them the size and they will cut it and send it back to you. Smoked plexiglass is hard to come by in less than full sheets, but Hunter uses it all the time so you'll only be charged for the size you need.
Try Hunter for your replacement slider hatch. Their prices are very reasonable, and you could just send them the size and they will cut it and send it back to you. Smoked plexiglass is hard to come by in less than full sheets, but Hunter uses it all the time so you'll only be charged for the size you need.
Ted,,,I have photos with the Seahood
removed on a section of my website(see link below) Hope this helps, Rusty Wiltjer,,,
removed on a section of my website(see link below) Hope this helps, Rusty Wiltjer,,,
Rusty!! You are the MAN!
Where have you been? I used your pictures four years ago to rebuild my hatch. Had it on the ground in two hours thanks to you. Thanks again! It was you, wasn't it?
Where have you been? I used your pictures four years ago to rebuild my hatch. Had it on the ground in two hours thanks to you. Thanks again! It was you, wasn't it?
Hey Fred !,,,Good to see you,,,
We made the run from Maine to Key West last winter,,,had a great time. Now I have my sights set on the ABC Islands this Fall,,,so I am in the process of tearing the boat apart again, to tab-in the bulk heads and cabinetry. What is your email? Would like to run some ideas past you. Thanks, Rusty Wiltjer H34 EarthSpinner.
We made the run from Maine to Key West last winter,,,had a great time. Now I have my sights set on the ABC Islands this Fall,,,so I am in the process of tearing the boat apart again, to tab-in the bulk heads and cabinetry. What is your email? Would like to run some ideas past you. Thanks, Rusty Wiltjer H34 EarthSpinner.
Rusty, I've got a domain!
The link is with the thumbnails. I can't believe it. Finally I can tell people my address over the phone.
The link is with the thumbnails. I can't believe it. Finally I can tell people my address over the phone.
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