Companionway Sliding Hatch Reinforcement

[Bob Ohler]

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.

[Steve Laume]

Maybe another layer of some carbon fiber cloth on the underside?

I try to walk only on the sea hood and not the hatch itself, Steve.

[tartansailor]

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

[Bob Ohler]

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.

[mattlydon]

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

[GLutzow]

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.

[Markst95]

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.


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