sliding companionway hatch scraping coach top--manufacturing flaw?

[kerk fisher]

We have a 90, #1102, and the sliding companionway hatch scrapes the coach top because there's no clearance as it gets to be about half way closed. Fiberglass on the top of the sliding hatch is beginning to be scraped away, and it's hard to pull the hatch closed.  Nothing seems to be damaged, such as the coach top being flattened, and the teak piece is undamaged.  I've seen another '90 just a few #'s away and there is a good 1/2+ inch clearance all the way closed. I've taken pix and thought of sending to Gerry Butler--is this a manufacturing flaw on Catalina's part? Or is there something I can do about it?  thanks, Kerk

[Ron Hill]

Kerk : Don't quite understand what it's scraping?
In your estimate is the sliding hacth too high? or too low?  If you can tell me that I think I can help.

BTW, it's Gerry Douglas VP/designer and Frank Butler HMFWAIC. 

[Steve Hansen]

Kirk: I've noticed this with Georgia Peach, 1987 #349. I used Elmer's Slide all on the hatch top and it seems fine. It rubs a small amount but not enough to harm anything.

Steve

[kerk fisher]

Answer to Ron. I believe, from seeing the boat similar to ours, that the coach top is too low, with not enough curve. that's just a guess. It could be that the sliding hatch is moulded too high.  I have a picture of the hatch all the way open and you can see a nice roomy gap all the way across. But as I start to close the hatch the gap gets smaller and smaller very quickly until the sliding hatch top surface and the aft edge of the coach top are touching. Steve, you're idea of putting slide all on the hatch top we can try, although I already did try to lubricate to no avail. I'ts just too close a fit. Thanks for your help!!! I even stuck a wood file under the edge of the coach top, the section that the teak strip is attached to and filed away trying to create space. What a barbaric act!! And it still didn't do much. Kerk

[kerk fisher]

Ron, do you have advice on this? I hope I clarified your question. thanks, Kerk

[Ron Hill]

Kerk : I seriously doubt if your boat was manufactured and left the factory 16 years ago with that flaw!!
It almost sounds as though there's something in the track that's causing the hatch to ride up at the half way point! 
It's somewhat a pain, but here's what I recommend you do:
1.  Remove the 6+ ft long teak strips on each side of the hatch top.
2.  The coach top that the hatch slides into will be exposed.
3.  Remove the 6 screw on each side of the coach top that hold it to the deck.  The front(forward edge) will be caulked.
4.  With the coach top removed you now can remove the sliding hatch completely and examine the track that it slides in.

Give me a call (540)891-5297 if you have any questions.  I can tell you the how-to, as I just put mine back together on Friday!!   

[mholzmann]

Stop Screeching Companion Way Hatch Available Now





Screeching Companion Way Hatch?  Many years back Graham Mackay posted a solution to a screeching companionway hatch sliding against the cabin top.  I followed his instructions to the letter and it solved my problem.
New problem is I needed to buy a huge sheet of plastic 48" x 92" to get (2) 1"x 72" x 1/16.  So needless to say I have the ability to make a lot of strips.  If you have a screeching hatch  $15.00 paid to paypal will deliver a set of pre cut strips to your door.  These really work they install in minutes with no removal or alteration to the hatch assembly.  Please include your mailing address and email address.  www.paypal.me/markholzmann/15  (link is external)  Questions? email me at holzie at gmail dot com. https://youtu.be/1AOsPGluaDs (link is external)

https://youtu.be/ekbxBGqnxgI

[Noah]

Mark- I believe there is annerror in you paypal link.

[mholzmann]

The link has been corrected thanks

[rmbrown]

I have the same dragging sliding hatch in mine.  Gelcoat is noticeably worn and scratched on top of the hatch.