Acrylic sliding hatch and door bowed
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 415/418
Forum Description: 415/418 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15509
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 23:37
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Acrylic sliding hatch and door bowed
Posted By: Iri_M
Subject: Acrylic sliding hatch and door bowed
Date Posted: 31 January 2026 at 18:57
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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?
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Replies:
Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 31 January 2026 at 19:11
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Expansion/contraction related to large temperature fluctuation. Was it too cold this winter?
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Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 31 January 2026 at 21:15
| 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. |
Posted By: Iri_M
Date Posted: 31 January 2026 at 22:20
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Thanks, I will try to do that. Do you know is there a way to take off the sliding hatch? I couldn't see any visible screws or the way it could be taken off from rales. The coldest the temperature went to -5C for a couple of days here in the UK. I would think acrylic should have withstood this kind of temperature ? Many thanks for your suggestion.
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Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 31 January 2026 at 22:27
| 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. |
Posted By: redlion
Date Posted: 01 February 2026 at 08:05
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The same happened to my hatch last winter, I assumed it had something to do with the humidifier on inside and extreme cold outside. It rectified itself without intervention. ------------- It,s not over till the fat lady drowns |
Posted By: Iri_M
Date Posted: 01 February 2026 at 09:51
| 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. |
Posted By: Iri_M
Date Posted: 01 February 2026 at 10:14
| Thank you Marsella, it is good to know that the door can be removed if needed, hopefully I won't need it! |