[C320-list] Sliding companionway hatch

[Jack Brennan]

Still waiting for quotes from the acrylic people, but a thought popped into my brain. I'd like some opinions on whether this is a good or bad idea.

In Florida, the problem is always too much sun. Having a sliding hatch that lets in more light isn't necessarily a plus. (I have shades on all ports and reflective inserts that go between the opening hatches and mosquito netting I installed.)

So what about cutting a sliding hatch from half-inch King Starboard? Strong, durable, the white blends in with the rest of the boat.

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






________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 4:47 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan333 at outlook.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Sliding companionway hatch

So I suppose the designs and installation methods changed over the years on these sliding companionway hatches.

What I noticed first was that someone sealed the hood over the hatch with either 4200 and an extremely strong adhesive sealant. Really, with nine long screws, all that was needed was some caulk.

I did not take off the hood because it would have required four or five hours of chiseling to break the bond and who knows how many hours to clean it up.

Instead, I removed the hood screws and pried under the hood to get it to lift a little bit. The preventer that keeps the hatch from sliding out was a thin piece of wood attached at the end of the hatch with four screws.

The only way to get the hatch out was with brute force. I pulled the sliding hatch forward until the preventer was wedged between the hood and the deck. Then I yanked several times, as hard as I could, and the sliding hatch came out with only two small nicks on the hood.

For the record, the piece of cast acrylic was 27 and 5/8 inches by 36 and 3/8 inches. It is half an inch thick and smoked/gray.

The local glass shop never called me back, so I've asked for quotes from estreetplatics and yachtwindows. I'll post whatever quotes I get.

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



________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 8:24 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan333 at outlook.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Sliding companionway hatch

Hi Jeff:

I've been pestering them to no avail. They don't answer the phone, requesting an email. Then the email goes unanswered.

Kind of disappointed. Catalina used to be very helpful.

Jack Brennan