Companionway hatch cover lubrication

[bobherk]

Hi, I'm looking for lubrication recommendations for the companionway hatch cover on my MacGregor 26X. I'm thinking an petroleum based lube would just pick up abrading particles and grind them in. What do you guys recommend? Thanks, Bob

[kadet]

I use Vaseline a petroleum based lube and it grinds way less than the gelcoat on gelcoat' needs regular application

[Jonair222]

white silicone spray
found at auto stores for power windows
non greasy waterproof.


Also seen someone of this forum used the soft side of a strip of velcro adhesive tape so the hatch slides smoothly. I may give this a try and see how it weathers

[ris]

When we first bought the boat when you pushed the hatch forward the noise was unbearable so after reading we put the soft part of the velcro on the hatch itself. We did this by using superglue on the velcro. We had one person stand in the boat and push up on the hatch, we had already pulled the velcro the length of the hatch on the inside, then someone inside put the glue on the velcro while the hatch was held up then we slipped the velcro on with a person on each end topside and the glue person inside guiding it up then sliding it over the inside lip, while the fourth person held up the hatch. About a month ago the hatch started screeching again. We discovered that it was actually the "forward part of the" bottom of the sliding hatch hitting the boat top right in the middle. This was caused by the deep grooves wore into the slide area on each side by the top,caused by the hatch sliding back and forth, which allowed the middle on the forward part of the hatch to contact the top. This time we removed all the screws on both sides from the two strips holding the sliding hatch in place, put about an 1/8 inch of west systems epoxy in the hatch sliding groove, painted the inside of the top just to make it brighter and put new velcro on the sliding hatch "runners". After reinstalling the hatch using 4200 in the screw holes, the hatch is at least 1/8" above the top of the boat as you slide it forward. We almost put too much epoxy in the grooves, it is a little tight as you pull the hatch forward and back. I think as the velcro wears it will get a little easier for the admiral to pull the hatch. She said she would rather pull a little harder opening and closing the hatch in silence then listen to the "screech". To spread the epoxy we cut a plasic putty knife to fit in the groove where the hatch slides.

[Don T]

Hello,
I think you will find the binding caused by the curve of the deck (fore to aft). I ended up using four patches of velcro felt along the hatch. I too had to restore the groove the hatch runs in. Ours was worn to the fiberglass so I used white gel coat (west marine) to build it back up.

P.S. Don't use lubrication on the hatch rails, you need it to stay in place when you walk on it (voice of experience).

[Gypsea Wind]

I've been looking to reduce the noise and friction on my hatch also. I think I am going to try this stuff:

http://www.apsltd.com/uhmw-tape-2-quot-x-108.html

I will call and see if they sell it by the foot. Low profile and wont stand out.

I'll post the results after I install it. That will be sometime after I finish my AP install.

[Don T]

Hello,
Also be aware that the felt will hold grit and grime and needs to be kept clean. You can really hear it scritching as it moves. I clean it every chance I get by flushing water through it and when home I also use compressed air. That's why I used patches instead of a continuous piece. It better allows dirt to be flushed out.

Don

[Don T]

I've been looking to reduce the noise and friction on my hatch also. I think I am going to try this stuff:

http://www.apsltd.com/uhmw-tape-2-quot-x-108.html

I will call and see if they sell it by the foot. Low profile and wont stand out.

I'll post the results after I install it. That will be sometime after I finish my AP install.

I'm interested in this solution, let us know how it works.
I tried laying thin stainless in the groove but the different expansion rates of stainless vs fiberglass sheared the adhesive loose.

Don T

[yukonbob]

I've been dumping a dry white powdered lubricant in there for the last five years plus generally keeping it clean. The dodger does help with that. Can't remember the name of the dry lube but I got it in the lockset and key area of our local hardware store. It's like dumping baby powder in the track but seems to keep the grinding down and does smooth it out pretty good.

[capitanpicchio]

Hello, I have the same problem, I decided to tinker with the 'epoxy, glue and plastic strips in areas of higher abrasion.
Gv

[bobherk]

Thanks for all the great solutions guys. Plenty of things to try here. I appreciate the feedback, Bob

[dlandersson]

And 10+ years, I need to replace the velco on/in my companionway hatch. Any suggestions?

Hi, I'm looking for lubrication recommendations for the companionway hatch cover on my MacGregor 26X. I'm thinking an petroleum based lube would just pick up abrading particles and grind them in. What do you guys recommend? Thanks, Bob

[OverEasy]

Hi DiAnderson!

Lowes and Home Depot (& Menards & ACE & JoAnn Fabrics) have Velcro tape rolls.
They have it with a strong all weather adhesive option too.
It works with the soft side as the nylon act as a differential material lubricant.

Our PO put it on and has been great!

In applications much less demanding than our MacGregors sliding hatch,
I have tried various means to “lubricate” sliding fiberglass-on-fiberglass interfaces
Such as petroleum jelly, grease, lithium (white) grease, graphite powder, Teflon powder and Teflon grease.
The greases and jelly work until grit becomes entrapped, the powders seem to dissipate and tend to make a mess (IMO).

Using a compressed air (from the inside to outside) while lifting up on the side being cleaned has done well at keeping inevitable the grit out.

Just my 2 cents…..

Best Regards
Over Easy
fudt