Removing Sliding Hatch on an X

[sailsurfski]

Haven't logged on in a while and had to create a new account. Anyway, I painted the black with polyurethane and have been happy with the result. Now, I want to paint the the deck (everything above the rub rail) and the cockpit and want to remove the sliding hatch in order to do a better job.

I know in the past some removed the hatch by squeezing it enough to clear the rails. Seems like it was Steve Kennerly, but he sold his boat years ago. Also, I think it was Frank C that had it blow off going down the road because the door was not installed. So I know it can come out. Does anyone know the method that was used? Seems like some dremel work is needed.

The reason I want to remove it like this is I seem to remember another post about someone who unscrewed a rail to remove their hatch and was sorry they did. Seems like they recommended NOT trying this. Does anyone remember why or have any experience with the hatch removal?

[kmclemore]

Well, the "proper" way to do it is to remove one of the securing rails, but frankly that's not needed. It will easily spring off by pressing very hard on one side of the hatch cover, pushing it into the other securing rail... when you do, the near side will pop out of its rail channel. Then it's just a matter of pulling it out of the opposite rail.

[Billy]

I've removed mine several times (first time by accident). This is not recommended but it works. Slide the hatch toward close and just keep on going. Do the last part fast, like pulling a tooth--then it's too late to worry about anything going wrong. Try to keep the last part of the hatch aligned so the lip's end does not break. You can also have someone inside lifting-- will make you feel better. Slides right back in with a little bump.

REMEMBER: Not recommended but it works for me and I'll do it next time I need to remove the hatch. So far I haven't detected any damage, but I don't remove it that often.

[kmclemore]

I've removed mine several times (first time by accident). This is not recommended but it works. Slide the hatch toward close and just keep on going. Do the last part fast, like pulling a tooth--then it's too late to worry about anything going wrong. Try to keep the last part of the hatch aligned so the lip's end does not break. You can also have someone inside lifting-- will make you feel better. Slides right back in with a little bump.

REMEMBER: Not recommended but it works for me and I'll do it next time I need to remove the hatch. So far I haven't detected any damage, but I don't remove it that often.

OUCH. That certainly won't work on mine - I'd end up with a lot of fractured fiberglass. I'd go for the more gentle way by springing it.

[Billy]

Ouch is right. This falls in the same category of slamming the hood of a car. Something that just shouldn't be done. Lift the fore part of the hatch from underneath if you do this. But here goes. . . . . . . .(hope this works)

[sailsurfski]

Just read this and haven't tried Billy's method yet. I wonder if spreading a towel or something under the lip would help it ride over the hump.

As far as the spring method, I wonder if my flanges that ride in the grooves are wider than some of the other boats. I had 2 guys helping and we couldn't really even get close. I had since thought about also pushing up from the bottom to help bow it. I had thought of putting a 2X6 against the stantions and a 1X4 along side the hatch and using a bottle jack sideways to squeeze it. But again, it looks like there is too much flange.