[C320-list] Sliding companionway hatch

[mseyler at cox.net]

I replaced my companionway hatch cover for the same reason 2 years ago.  I
was able to talk the yard into ordering a sheet of 1/2 inch smoked acrylic,
and selling me half.  My recollection is that I was able to cut it with a
fine tooth blade on a circular saw.  (Jigsaws have a tendency to melt the
plastic unless you cut slowly and let the blade cool from time to time.)

My original companionway cover had two grooves running fore and aft on the
underside, about an inch and a half in from each side of the cover.  I
didn't have a way to duplicate them, but I haven't noticed any problems from
not having those grooves.  The original also had two scallops cut into the
front edge of the cover.  I didn't duplicate those, but haven't noticed any
problems from that either.

I didn't need to take off the sea hood to get the old hatch cover out.  I
believe I had to remove the teak rails on either side of the companionway to
slide the cover aft and out from under the sea hood.  I re-used the original
end piece on the edge of the cover facing the cockpit, and the wooden bar
that enables you to slide the cover from inside.  I used the old cover as a
template to locate the screw holes for those pieces.

It wasn't a bad DIY job, although the material was expensive as heck.  Good
luck with it.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack
Brennan via C320-list
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 3:26 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Cc: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan333 at outlook.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Sliding companionway hatch

Has anyone replaced their plexiglass sliding companionway hatch? Mine has a
crack in it, and Catalina has not responded to my requests for making a
replacement.

My initial measurements have it at 36 and 3/8 inches wide and 29.5 inches
front to back in 1/2 inch smoked acrylic, although this was done without
unscrewing the hood that it slides under. Before I start taking it apart, I
thought I would ask whether anyone had done the measurements.

Currently, I'm trying to talk a local shop into ordering the piece for me
from a fabricator. Half-inch acrylic apparently is too thick for the locals
to handle. Anyone have a different recommendation?

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.