The acrylic companionway sliding cover on our 1995 H26 is very hard to slide open. I have tried to lubricate in the past with no improvement. I now have the hatch apart to restore the teak finish and would welcome any ideas on making it slide easly. Thanks for your suggestions. Ray
- Status
Clean and Wax
I experience the same problem every year. There seems to be a buildup of grime and gelcoat "scrapings." Clean the bottom of the acrylic cover and the fiberglass rails with a good cleaner or solvent. I use either Softscrub or acetone, followed quickly by a fresh water rinse. Then I apply a good fiberglass wax to the rails. This usually lasts most of the season. The other thing I have noticed is that the acrylic begins to sag from heat (sun). I have a board that fits snugly from the cabin floor to the acrylic hatch cover. Sometimes I will close the hatch just to the point where I can slip in the washboards, then reach through the opening and set my board before dropping in the washboards and closing the hatch the rest of the way. The upward pressure, along with the heat from the sun, seems to restore the sagging acrylic to normal position. Dale Wile Sandpoint, ID
I experience the same problem every year. There seems to be a buildup of grime and gelcoat "scrapings." Clean the bottom of the acrylic cover and the fiberglass rails with a good cleaner or solvent. I use either Softscrub or acetone, followed quickly by a fresh water rinse. Then I apply a good fiberglass wax to the rails. This usually lasts most of the season. The other thing I have noticed is that the acrylic begins to sag from heat (sun). I have a board that fits snugly from the cabin floor to the acrylic hatch cover. Sometimes I will close the hatch just to the point where I can slip in the washboards, then reach through the opening and set my board before dropping in the washboards and closing the hatch the rest of the way. The upward pressure, along with the heat from the sun, seems to restore the sagging acrylic to normal position. Dale Wile Sandpoint, ID
Sounds absurd but...
The way your rig is tuned might have something to do with it. I once saw a boat with the right so tight, the slider would barely open! It's probably a long shot, but worth considering as a last resort.
The way your rig is tuned might have something to do with it. I once saw a boat with the right so tight, the slider would barely open! It's probably a long shot, but worth considering as a last resort.
It is from the sun..
..It happened to me on my H-29.5 . It just expand/twist from the heat , in direct hot summer sun ,and won't slide freely. It doesn't happen in winter..and less in summer if direct sun rays blocked . In my boat , it looks replacing with a thinner sliding cover will work good enough ,But I haven't tried it yet. Somehow it's a pitty many buiders ceased building the long lasting (older)garagge sliding in cover design, which both stop water seep in at openning , and avoid using these large , (?) heavy heat swealing lexan flats.
..It happened to me on my H-29.5 . It just expand/twist from the heat , in direct hot summer sun ,and won't slide freely. It doesn't happen in winter..and less in summer if direct sun rays blocked . In my boat , it looks replacing with a thinner sliding cover will work good enough ,But I haven't tried it yet. Somehow it's a pitty many buiders ceased building the long lasting (older)garagge sliding in cover design, which both stop water seep in at openning , and avoid using these large , (?) heavy heat swealing lexan flats.
shade it
I agree that the suns heat seems to be the culprit. I have had the same problem and I clean it often. Some products containing silicone only seem to make it worse once it heats up. I have considered trying teflon but I don't know if it would help. I have slipped a round automotive type sunshade under the cover. It is held in place between the cover and the companionway edge which helps to keep the cover seperated and provides more shade to the cabin. In addition when at dockside I have used a tarp canope to cover the lexan and decrease the heat on it.. I have a 23 and no dodger or bimini which possibly which may help shield some sun heat too.
I agree that the suns heat seems to be the culprit. I have had the same problem and I clean it often. Some products containing silicone only seem to make it worse once it heats up. I have considered trying teflon but I don't know if it would help. I have slipped a round automotive type sunshade under the cover. It is held in place between the cover and the companionway edge which helps to keep the cover seperated and provides more shade to the cabin. In addition when at dockside I have used a tarp canope to cover the lexan and decrease the heat on it.. I have a 23 and no dodger or bimini which possibly which may help shield some sun heat too.
Adjust Rubber Footings
You may also want to check the alignment of the teak tracks that the acrylic cover slides back into (under the fiberglass hatch cover). I found that adjusting the rubber feet with washers helped a lot.
You may also want to check the alignment of the teak tracks that the acrylic cover slides back into (under the fiberglass hatch cover). I found that adjusting the rubber feet with washers helped a lot.
Cabin Top Flex
The sliding hatch on my '95 H26 is nearly impossible to slide with the mast down. With the mast up, it slides fine. My assumption is the cabin top flexes. I have cleaned and waxed and to to no avail. Ned Christensen
The sliding hatch on my '95 H26 is nearly impossible to slide with the mast down. With the mast up, it slides fine. My assumption is the cabin top flexes. I have cleaned and waxed and to to no avail. Ned Christensen
Moisture!!!
My slide problem was cured by sanding off some of the wooden guides under the fiberglass hatch. Mine would swell with moisture and make it very difficult to slide the lexan.
My slide problem was cured by sanding off some of the wooden guides under the fiberglass hatch. Mine would swell with moisture and make it very difficult to slide the lexan.
- Status