Companionway Sliding Hatch Reinforcement
Moderator: Jim Walsh
- Bob Ohler
- Posts: 610
- Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 14:11
- Location: CD30 1984 Hull# 335 Aloha Spirit, Chesapeake Bay
Companionway Sliding Hatch Reinforcement
Cape Dorians All:
For some time, I have been concerned about the strength of the fiberglass sliding hatch over the companionway. Specifically, I wonder about the strength of the tabs of the hatch that slide in the nylon and wood rails. When I am working on the sail cover or taking a reef, I wonder if this hatch can still support me. I especially wonder if I a (heftier) crew member is doing these functions.
I have seen at the boat shows hatches with either aluminum or stainless steel slides. I think I have seen these on the Sabres.
Yesterday, I removed the sea hood and the sliding hatch to address another issue and the idea of adding a stainless rail to the hatch came to mind.
Has anyone here tackled such a reinforcement project and what exactly did you do? Photos are always appreciated!
F/W
Bob O.
For some time, I have been concerned about the strength of the fiberglass sliding hatch over the companionway. Specifically, I wonder about the strength of the tabs of the hatch that slide in the nylon and wood rails. When I am working on the sail cover or taking a reef, I wonder if this hatch can still support me. I especially wonder if I a (heftier) crew member is doing these functions.
I have seen at the boat shows hatches with either aluminum or stainless steel slides. I think I have seen these on the Sabres.
Yesterday, I removed the sea hood and the sliding hatch to address another issue and the idea of adding a stainless rail to the hatch came to mind.
Has anyone here tackled such a reinforcement project and what exactly did you do? Photos are always appreciated!
F/W
Bob O.
Bob Ohler
CDSOA Member #188
CD30B, Hull # 335
sv Aloha Spirit
CDSOA Member #188
CD30B, Hull # 335
sv Aloha Spirit
- Steve Laume
- Posts: 4127
- Joined: Feb 13th, '05, 20:40
- Location: Raven1984 Cape Dory 30C Hull #309Noank, CT
- Contact:
- tartansailor
- Posts: 1525
- Joined: Aug 30th, '05, 13:55
- Location: CD25, Renaissance, Milton, DE
Walking on a Hatch
My sea hood and sliding hatch are varnished mahogany, and walking on that mirror surface would be a major no-no on my boat.
What task requires standing there?
Dick
What task requires standing there?
Dick
- Bob Ohler
- Posts: 610
- Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 14:11
- Location: CD30 1984 Hull# 335 Aloha Spirit, Chesapeake Bay
Tartan Sailor...
My seahood and sliding hatch are Cape Dory fiberglass. Removing or replacing the sailcover, as well as tieing-off reefing points are the two most common activities that require some traffic in this area.
(What Tartan is in your heriatge? My dad had a Tartan 27.)
F/W
Bob O.
(What Tartan is in your heriatge? My dad had a Tartan 27.)
F/W
Bob O.
Bob Ohler
CDSOA Member #188
CD30B, Hull # 335
sv Aloha Spirit
CDSOA Member #188
CD30B, Hull # 335
sv Aloha Spirit
seahatch only
I leave the sliding hatch open, so as not to temp myself. that hatch is way too delicate for standing on.
Haven't experienced any problems with furling, reefing, etc.
Matt
Haven't experienced any problems with furling, reefing, etc.
Matt
Hatch Strength
I would suggest that building a low doghouse over the sliding hatch would be the only feasible solution if you absolutely have to use the hatch area as a walkway.
Greg Lutzow
Nokomis, FL
CD25
"Beau Soleil"
sailing off a mooring in Sarasota Bay
With nothin' but stillness as far as you please
An' the silly mirage stringin' islands an' seas.
Nokomis, FL
CD25
"Beau Soleil"
sailing off a mooring in Sarasota Bay
With nothin' but stillness as far as you please
An' the silly mirage stringin' islands an' seas.
- Markst95
- Posts: 628
- Joined: Aug 5th, '08, 10:04
- Location: 1972 Typhoon Weekender "SWIFT" Hull #289 Narragansett Bay, RI
Bob- Don't know if my hatch is similar but I reinforced the edge tabs as well as stiffened up the whole hatch with a couple of layers of cloth and epoxy on the underside. Made a big difference.
<a href="http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99 ... repair.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="600" src="http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99 ... r.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99 ... repair.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="600" src="http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo99 ... r.jpg"></a>