Maffi Posted November 30, 2021 Report Share Posted November 30, 2021 My hatch slide is made from 6mm steel. God knows how much it weighs, probably 40-50 lbs. It can be difficult to open even with wax in the winter. But that is only part of the problem. Several times I have drawn blood by hitting my head on the slide when it has not been properly opened. The last time was Friday. I have on a number of occasions been bloodied by my interaction with the damn slide. Now then what I want is a slide that has a bit more give and a little less mass. So I am thinking Aluminium, or better Dural. Does anyone know where I can take my slide and have a duplicate made in Dural? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Schweizer Posted November 30, 2021 Report Share Posted November 30, 2021 (edited) The slide on Helvetia was 4ft long and very heavy, too heavy for one person to lift. The slide had Rosewood blocks which ran on brass runners but was quite difficult to move. I solved the poor running, by replacing the runner on the slide with some sort of very slippery plastic called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) which I got from a forum member who stopped posting in 2016. It worked so well that I had to avoid leaning on it, in case I fell into the cabin !! Edited November 30, 2021 by David Schweizer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen-in-Wellies Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 (edited) 9 hours ago, David Schweizer said: The slide on Helvetia was 4ft long and very heavy, too heavy for one person to lift. The slide had Rosewood blocks which ran on brass runners but was quite difficult to move. I solved the poor running, by replacing the runner on the slide with some sort of very slippery plastic called ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) which I got from a forum member who stopped posting in 2016. It worked so well that I had to avoid leaning on it, in case I fell into the cabin !! I also had some UHMWPE sliders made to work on the brass runners. Not quite as slippery as PTFE, but doesn't produce horribly toxic gases when machined as Teflon can do. Had some round UHMWPE machined by a neighbour, who had access to a proper machine shop at that time. Again, if the brass has some wax on it, the slide is very free running. The hatch is thinner steel, wood lined, but does have a 80W solar panel on top of it, so still fairly heavy. This was done several years ago and there is no noticable wear on the sliders yet. That's two people who haven't answered @Maffi's question about getting a Dural replacement made so far. How many more? Other than Dural/aluminium, how about thinner steel, with insulation and wood lining? Would still be significantly lighter and easier to find someone on the cut able and willing to make it. Jen Edited December 1, 2021 by Jen-in-Wellies 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koukouvagia Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 I made plywood slides and covered them with a thin sheet of aluminium. This has the benefit of lightness and durability. I put little felt pads on the runners, thinking that they might not last, but they have now been in place for a couple of years and work smoothly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEngo Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 If you want an aluminium alloy slide you need to find an aluminium fabricator. A quick google produces Metweld on the Tramway industrial estate Banbury so not too far from where I think you are. There are others.... Remember that Aluminium can be a bugger to keep paint on! N 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearley Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 (edited) Our new widebeam had a steel hatch. It was the sort that drops over the rear doors to secure them and had a large D handle welded to the rear edge to enable it to be lifted from outside. It was far too heavy to lift and slide and the D would catch you in the back as you exited. I took it to a local fabricator in Huntingdon who made me a copy in 3mm aluminium, with an integral handle rather than the D. Life is much easier now but cost nearly £800. I also put self adhesive PTFE tape on the slides so it slid without binding or needing any lubricant. This has not been so successful as, if not careful, when lifting the hatch you can catch the edge of the tape and pull it off. So now looking at getting some 3 or 4 mm thick PTFE strip to replace the stainless steel strip currently fitted. Edited after Bengo reminded me. Did buy some aluminium primer. Unfortunately weather conditions mean it has had 2 primer and 1 undercoat. More coats will have to wait until Spring. Edited December 1, 2021 by pearley 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Brummie Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 Aluminium or wood can be just as hard if you insist on bashing it with your head. The only time I've ever done it is when wearing a peaked cap that obscures my view. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy D'arth Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 Would it not be easier to open the slide before nutting it? 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Brummie Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 If I open the slide, it is opened. Unfortunately, some of the smaller people on board only open it for themselves. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigmatic Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 I attached a small plastic duck to my slide, just in case I need a reminder 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanD Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 1 minute ago, enigmatic said: I attached a small plastic duck to my slide, just in case I need a reminder Duck or grouse? 😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, pearley said: Our new widebeam had a steel hatch. It was the sort that drops over the rear doors to secure them and had a large D handle welded to the rear edge to enable it to be lifted from outside. It was far too heavy to lift and slide and the D would catch you in the back as you exited. I took it to a local fabricator in Huntingdon who made me a copy in 3mm aluminium, with an integral handle rather than the D. Life is much easier now but cost nearly £800. I also put self adhesive PTFE tape on the slides so it slid without binding or needing any lubricant. This has not been so successful as, if not careful, when lifting the hatch you can catch the edge of the tape and pull it off. So now looking at getting some 3 or 4 mm thick PTFE strip to replace the stainless steel strip currently fitted. Edited after Bengo reminded me. Did buy some aluminium primer. Unfortunately weather conditions mean it has had 2 primer and 1 undercoat. More coats will have to wait until Spring. I too have been trying to track down some 3 to 4 mm PTFE strip but without success. If you are successful please post details. In the meanwhile I find spray PTFE very effective but it needs re-applying every 3 to 4 weeks. A tin lasts for years. The only drawback is that it takes about an hour to dry and I'm guaranteed to put a hand on it in that time. Edited December 1, 2021 by Slim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanD Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 1 hour ago, Slim said: I too have been trying to track down some 3 to 4 mm PTFE strip but without success. If you are successful please post details. In the meanwhile I find spray PTFE very effective but it needs re-applying every 3 to 4 weeks. A tin lasts for years. The only drawback is that it takes about an hour to dry and I'm guaranteed to put a hand on it in that time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-PTFE-Strip-6mm-Meter/dp/B093BZ4WB1/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=PTFE+strip&qid=1638362542&qsid=260-7408861-7049712&s=diy&sr=1-3&sres=B01MDNG5MG%2CB077GWPLJ4%2CB093BZ4WB1%2CB01KLY90Y6%2CB01KLWN5QM%2CB005DRE1Q4%2CB077QX2HXQ%2CB071X6PC89%2CB0120YN064%2CB08HGRTZM9%2CB07Y34WY39%2CB07MNRJC9S%2CB08HGN8LDC%2CB0001K9YA6%2CB08JKYD4VK%2CB003TO2MTG&srpt=ADHESIVE_TAPES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearley Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 20 minutes ago, IanD said: https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-PTFE-Strip-6mm-Meter/dp/B093BZ4WB1/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=PTFE+strip&qid=1638362542&qsid=260-7408861-7049712&s=diy&sr=1-3&sres=B01MDNG5MG%2CB077GWPLJ4%2CB093BZ4WB1%2CB01KLY90Y6%2CB01KLWN5QM%2CB005DRE1Q4%2CB077QX2HXQ%2CB071X6PC89%2CB0120YN064%2CB08HGRTZM9%2CB07Y34WY39%2CB07MNRJC9S%2CB08HGN8LDC%2CB0001K9YA6%2CB08JKYD4VK%2CB003TO2MTG&srpt=ADHESIVE_TAPES That's quite expensive. I've just ordered 4 X 1 metre lengths 5mm X 40mm, total cost including delivery is £47. I let you know how it works out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 8 hours ago, IanD said: https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-PTFE-Strip-6mm-Meter/dp/B093BZ4WB1/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=PTFE+strip&qid=1638362542&qsid=260-7408861-7049712&s=diy&sr=1-3&sres=B01MDNG5MG%2CB077GWPLJ4%2CB093BZ4WB1%2CB01KLY90Y6%2CB01KLWN5QM%2CB005DRE1Q4%2CB077QX2HXQ%2CB071X6PC89%2CB0120YN064%2CB08HGRTZM9%2CB07Y34WY39%2CB07MNRJC9S%2CB08HGN8LDC%2CB0001K9YA6%2CB08JKYD4VK%2CB003TO2MTG&srpt=ADHESIVE_TAPES Thanks for that but at 6 mm it's too thick. The design of the hatch means there's no way I can 'win the 2mm or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maffi Posted December 2, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2021 Thanks all for your input! My slide does drop down to hold the doors shut.. I cut off the 'D' handles (shown)...... .......and replaced them with this beautiful brass adornment, but that's only any good getting in the boat. I have a gadget, a length of 3 x 1 with wheels on, that I can use on the inside to lift the hatch and draw it back the first foot but its still difficult to open and close from the inside. My current method is to lift the slide with my head, but this is not much good for my neck. I am sure I am shorter now than when I first got on the boat 15years ago. Aluminum or Dural would seem to be a solution as I reckon it would reduce the weight by more than half. I had also thought a nice Sapele construction would look good but am concerned about security. It really is the lifting bit that is the problem, but even though I wax the runners it can often be hard to slide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midnight Posted December 2, 2021 Report Share Posted December 2, 2021 (edited) 5 hours ago, Maffi said: Thanks all for your input! My slide does drop down to hold the doors shut.. I cut off the 'D' handles (shown)...... .......and replaced them with this beautiful brass adornment, but that's only any good getting in the boat. I have a gadget, a length of 3 x 1 with wheels on, that I can use on the inside to lift the hatch and draw it back the first foot but its still difficult to open and close from the inside. My current method is to lift the slide with my head, but this is not much good for my neck. I am sure I am shorter now than when I first got on the boat 15years ago. Aluminum or Dural would seem to be a solution as I reckon it would reduce the weight by more than half. I had also thought a nice Sapele construction would look good but am concerned about security. It really is the lifting bit that is the problem, but even though I wax the runners it can often be hard to slide. I would be interested to see a pic of your gadget. Midnight is a John White with Similar hatch which is difficult to open from inside. It slides okay on cheap plastic runners and brass rails just hard to lift. Edited December 2, 2021 by Midnight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncherbie Posted December 2, 2021 Report Share Posted December 2, 2021 Well Maffi you could have a hatch like ours on Herbie, which is a hinged lid you just lift up and there is an attached prop to hold it open a bit like on a car bonnet. You must have passed under it a good few times but maybe you've never noticed it. Ours is made of ply with a glass fibre skin on the outside. It lifts pretty easily and in 16 years has never let a drop of water in. It was put on by the previous owner whose wife was struggling with the slide. I've never seen another like it. Neil 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maffi Posted December 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2021 On 02/12/2021 at 08:35, Midnight said: I would be interested to see a pic of your gadget. Midnight is a John White with Similar hatch which is difficult to open from inside. It slides okay on cheap plastic runners and brass rails just hard to lift. I have knocked up this drawing Midnight. I think it is easy to see. I used 3x1 and a pair of 6 inch wheels with a long coach bolt for an axle. The total length of mine is 1.2 meters. Conceivably you could use 2x1 and 3 inch wheels its up to you. You can buy the wheels at B&Q. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midnight Posted December 3, 2021 Report Share Posted December 3, 2021 48 minutes ago, Maffi said: I have knocked up this drawing Midnight. I think it is easy to see. I used 3x1 and a pair of 6 inch wheels with a long coach bolt for an axle. The total length of mine is 1.2 meters. Conceivably you could use 2x1 and 3 inch wheels its up to you. You can buy the wheels at B&Q. Thank you for that which shows clearly the design and how it works. I'll buy the beers when we meet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted December 4, 2021 Report Share Posted December 4, 2021 (edited) On 01/12/2021 at 09:11, BEngo said: Remember that Aluminium can be a bugger to keep paint on! N Not if you use the right paint. I've used Hempel Blakes (EPU) Epoxy Primer Undercoat on aluminum and the paint is solid. You need to key the aluminum and then spirit wipe clean with Hemple thinners no.5. you've then got 20 mins to get your mixed epoxy undercoat on before the keyed surface of the aluminum oxidises, so mix the paint up beforehand. Put 2 coats of the primer/undercoat on following the min/max overcoating times in the paint TDS and then you can use a two-part of a single part topcoat. An alternative primer is jotamastic 90 but it only comes in big tins. Or don't paint the aluminum at all if you like the look. Edited December 4, 2021 by blackrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncherbie Posted December 4, 2021 Report Share Posted December 4, 2021 FWIW Here's a link to my blog page from 2008 where I show Herbie's hinged hatch and discuss its pros and cons. Although we had mixed feelings about it not being very "boaty" it has stood the test of time very well and continues to be secure and watertight.. It's also very easy to take off entirely although we very rarely do. https://nbherbie.blogspot.com/2008/05/down-hatch.html Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koukouvagia Posted December 4, 2021 Report Share Posted December 4, 2021 I'm sure Blackrose's method is the correct one, but I had perfectly acceptable results on my aluminium-covered slides by using Halfords' Etch Primer - well, it's lasted a couple of years so far. It comes in a 500 ml spray can. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted December 4, 2021 Report Share Posted December 4, 2021 2 hours ago, ncherbie said: FWIW Here's a link to my blog page from 2008 where I show Herbie's hinged hatch and discuss its pros and cons. Although we had mixed feelings about it not being very "boaty" it has stood the test of time very well and continues to be secure and watertight.. It's also very easy to take off entirely although we very rarely do. https://nbherbie.blogspot.com/2008/05/down-hatch.html Neil I'm slightly surprised this isn't arranged so the lid can flip right over when open - a common detail with hatches over side doors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maffi Posted December 8, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2021 On 04/12/2021 at 10:00, ncherbie said: FWIW Here's a link to my blog page from 2008 where I show Herbie's hinged hatch and discuss its pros and cons. Although we had mixed feelings about it not being very "boaty" it has stood the test of time very well and continues to be secure and watertight.. It's also very easy to take off entirely although we very rarely do. https://nbherbie.blogspot.com/2008/05/down-hatch.html Neil I wouldn't want to lift mine off! Who are you insured with I forgot what you told me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now