UHMW tape for ODay 222 hatch

[JimGate]

I‘m looking for advice on best application of UHMW tape on my hatch system. The adhesive on the tape is strong but I have durability concerns due to the environment. If I put tape on the runners and flange of the hatch will it stay? Once the runners are attached to the boat I do not want to have to go back in. And, the flange surface is not smooth…. Is it best to just use tape on the runners? Thank you!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I've had pretty good luck with VHB tape on hard to adhere plastics. Tapes will usually fail when they are pulled up, especially at the end. However, in this case you will have a very light load applied sideways and the hatch is putting constant downward pressure which will help keep it adhered. I've read about this same technique on Catalina 30's that use no tape. My C30 has a lip in front of the track whereas my O'Day 25, the track end was open.

My O'Day 25's hatch made a horrible sound because the wood track was worn down. My quick fix was to apply the fuzzy side of velcro at the vertical face (where the lock hasp is) where it touched the fiberglass next to the wood track. It held up well considering it had direct exposure to sunlight half the year.

Be careful the first time you open your hatch after installing the plastic. When I lubed mine, it took me by surprise! Both when opening it and when standing on it to douse the main. It was a bit hazardous when standing on it

 

[JimGate]

I've had pretty good luck with VHB tape on hard to adhere plastics. Tapes will usually fail when they are pulled up, especially at the end. However, in this case you will have a very light load applied sideways and the hatch is putting constant downward pressure which will help keep it adhered. I've read about this same technique on Catalina 30's that use no tape. My C30 has a lip in front of the track whereas my O'Day 25, the track end was open.

My O'Day 25's hatch made a horrible sound because the wood track was worn down. My quick fix was to apply the fuzzy side of velcro at the vertical face (where the lock hasp is) where it touched the fiberglass next to the wood track. It held up well considering it had direct exposure to sunlight half the year.

Be careful the first time you open your hatch after installing the plastic. When I lubed mine, it took me by surprise! Both when opening it and when standing on it to douse the main. It was a bit hazardous when standing on it

 

[JimGate]

I've had pretty good luck with VHB tape on hard to adhere plastics. Tapes will usually fail when they are pulled up, especially at the end. However, in this case you will have a very light load applied sideways and the hatch is putting constant downward pressure which will help keep it adhered. I've read about this same technique on Catalina 30's that use no tape. My C30 has a lip in front of the track whereas my O'Day 25, the track end was open.

My O'Day 25's hatch made a horrible sound because the wood track was worn down. My quick fix was to apply the fuzzy side of velcro at the vertical face (where the lock hasp is) where it touched the fiberglass next to the wood track. It held up well considering it had direct exposure to sunlight half the year.

Be careful the first time you open your hatch after installing the plastic. When I lubed mine, it took me by surprise! Both when opening it and when standing on it to douse the main. It was a bit hazardous when standing on it

Thanks for your input. Never thought about the hatch becoming too easy to slide but certainly makes sens!

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Neither did I until I almost fell!