How do I Keep my Sliding Hatch from Squealing?
Original Message: Subj: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
My companionway hatch cover, the sliding one, squeaks, squeals, and
screams when sliding it forward or aft. I've tried everything I can
think of, all sorts of lubrications. Nothing has helped. Has anyone
had this same problem? If so, has the someone found a solution to
the terrible noise when opening a closing?
Thanks
Loyal Hibbs, Calliope3, LOYALHIBBS@aol.com South Beach Harbor, San
Francisco.
Subj: RE: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
Put Teflon tape on contact surfaces.
Charlie Pearsall, C34 Delirious, cpearsall@smcplus.com
Subj: Re: Companionway sliding hatch cover
On my C-30 I've inserted a strip of Mylar film into the channel that
the hatch cover slides in. It has worked great. Open hatch cover
about 4 inches from all the way in. Have someone push up on the
hatch cover, then slide Mylar strips in as far as you can taking
care to get the front of the strip between hatch cover and the deck
itself. Works great, opens easier and the noise is gone.
Bob Uehlein, Menagerie C-30TRBS #2318 Charlevoix, Mi, Menageri@ACD.net
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
Jal, If you have a plastics supply retailer near you, stop
in and pick up two lengths of Teflon approximately 1-1/2" wide
by 1/8' thick which is the full length of the hatch slide( approx.
6' but measure it). Lift up your hatch slightly and slid it in. I
was given this suggestion 10 years ago and has worked great ever
since.
Lazybones, amaarch@impop.bellatlantic.net
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
Ron Hill wrote in Mainsheet August 1995.....
I looked at Mylar, Teflon but couldn't find anything long enough
that was remotely priced within reason. Instead, I substituted a
flat strip of 1/16" thick, 1" wide, 60" long aluminum
($4.95ea.). The aluminum was stiff enough that it could be slid in
the hatch "runway" between the hatch and the deck.
Although the hatch runway is approximately 65" long. I secured
each 60" strip at the cockpit end by countersinking a single
small screw in each strip. The missing 5" at the mast end of
the companionway doesn't seem to matter, and the hatch slides easily
and QUIETLY!
Ron Hill
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
Al, you asked if the aluminum still works since 1995? Yes, if I
keep the dust in that track flushed out with water. The problem
reoccurs when I keep the dodger up for an extended period as I don't
tend to hose the track down when I wash the boat. I think a
reasonably priced alternative might be a piece of high density
polyethylene or Lexan. Don't know if these will create dust and
allow the hatch to squeal. Don't have any other reasonably priced
ideas.
Ron, Apache #788
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
YES! That awful squeal my slider lets out has easily taken 10 years
off my hearing life, not to mention the countless number of times my
neighbors have wondered why I beat my dog/step on my cat's tail/is
that a parrot?
But how does one disassemble this slider in order to effect the
repairs listed below? The source of my squeal is out of reach save
for a straightened coat hanger & I've yet to discover a way to
completely remove the sliding cover from the track that runs in
between the deck & the cabin ceiling.
John LeMasters, Blue Moon #753, jal@flashcom.net
~~~~_/) ~~~~
Subj: Re: Companionway sliding hatch cover
What keeps the Mylar in there? How long of a piece do you use and
where did you get it?
Doug Purdy, doug_purdy@hotmail.com
Subj: RE: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
I had this same problem on my C34 and I identified this problem as
being the forward edge of the hatch cover scraping against the cabin
top as the hatch is moved in or out. To solve the problem pull the
hatch all the way out and apply some silicone grease under the
forward edge of the hatch cover. My experience has been that the
scraping occurs in the center of the hatch, but just to make sure
lube the entire bottom edge. You may have to use a dowel and lift
the hatch slightly to apply the lubricant. Lubricating the slides
does not address the problem.
Tom Leising, Synergy #392, tleising@natraf.com
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
Loyal: Ron Hill answered that question many moons ago in Tech Tips.
Suggest you search the tech notes in the website for the answer. If
you can't find it, I have the index and may be able to find it for
you. If I remember, it consisted of using a mandolin pick to simply
raise the hatch slider a tiny bit to avoid rubbing on the grit that
tends to get caught under the slider.
Stu Jackson #224 Aquavite San Francisco, Dosgoats@aol.com
Subj: Re: Companionway sliding hatch cover
Doug, The strips were about an inch wide and about 30 inches long. I
bought the Mylar in an art supply business. It comes in several
thicknesses. I bought the thickest they had so when you push the
strip in it. I used a little liquid silicone to hold it in place.
Using a small dowel, I placed about ten small dabs of silicone in
the track before I slid in the Mylar. The Mylar strips also work
very well to take out the play in the rudder shaft.
Bob Uehlein, Menageri@ACD.net
Subj: Re: Companionway sliding hatch cover
Ron and Al, I just spray the track with 3M Silicone spray every
couple of months, works good.
Gerry, Aquarius #1277
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
To expand on Ron's response, like Gerry I have been using silicone
spray but unlike him I've had little reduction of the squealing and
screeching when opening and closing the hatch on an older C34
(#763). Also the residue seems to hold dirt and dust in the tracks.
I was pleased to get the other ideas to explore.
Mark Hazlett Dot.Calm #763, hazletts@gte.net
Subj: Re: [C34] Companionway sliding hatch cover
Ron, my hatch had some tuflon tape (hope I spelled that right) in
the tracks when I took deliverly in Aug of 1993, but it broke up
after a few years. I then started with the silicone spray. It works
fine for me.
Gerry, Aquarius #1277, cat34@earthlink.net (Gerry Edgley)
Subj: Re: [C34] sliding hatch cover Index Search
From: Dosgoats
Here's a list of references on sliding hatch cover from
searching the tech notes index:
Tech Notes Index: 1989
Tech Notes Index: 1991
Tech Notes Index: 1992
Tech Notes Index: 1993
Tech Notes Index: 1995 August
Tech Notes Index: 1997
Tech Notes Index: 1998
Important: The opinions expressed here are
those of the individual contributors to this page, and not those of
the Catalina 34 National Association or Catalina Yachts, Inc.
Additionally, this material has not been reviewed by Catalina
Yachts, Inc. for technical accuracy. This page's maintainer cannot
guarantee the accuracy of this information or the desirability of
suggested modifications or upgrades. Please obtain assistance from a
competent marine mechanic or boatyard prior to making any
significant modifications to your vessel. |
