Acrylic sliding hatch and door bowed

Hi, has anyone experienced a problem with the companionway sliding hatch and door being bowed on the 415? The boat was lifted for the winter in early December. Yesterday I went to check on her and discovered that both the sliding hatch and the door itself had a slight curve. It is barely noticeable but enough that the sliding hatch is now rubbing against the fibreglass top, and the door doesn’t drop down on its own anymore. I can slide them with a bit of force and I can close them, but I can’t turn the keys to lock the door anymore.

The third picture is when the hatch is closed, the first picture is when i am sliding it starts rubbing against the fibreglass. 

Has anyone experienced this problem? What could cause such a drastic change in the shape of the perspex glass, and is there a way to fix it without replacing the glass?

To straighten the sliding hatch back, try to bring it home, put under some heavy load at room temperature and wait for some days. This will make it flat back or almost back.

You should see the screws of the fiberglass base where the hatch slides in. Undo them all, lift the base and remove the hatch. You may also need to remove the rail of the sprayhood if you have one.

Thank you David so much, it is such a relief to know it is possible that it can rectify itself. I have had also the humidifier working. The way both glasses are curved to outside, suggesting it could something to do with the humidifier. But I didn't think it should affect acrylic. 

Edited by Iri_M - 01 February 2026 at 09:55