Companionway Hatch - Panels and miscellaneous items

In one of my previous posts  Manufacturing Items In The Workshop March 2018, you will see that I had constructed the sliding hatch, however the manufacture and fitting of the various other component parts that make up the sliding stocks and panels that close off the companionway, proved to be very time consuming. I decided to use nylon runners screwed to the hatch sides as opposed to hardwood; my train of thought considered that the contact between the differing materials would result in less friction and therefore a reduced likelihood of wear between these and the sliding stock grooves.

There are hardwood inner and outer guides fixed to either side of the companionway bulkhead that form grooves for the panels to sit in, however I considered that there would be a potential problem of water collecting and flooding the lower groove. My solution was to glue in a thin insert of hardwood into the bottom, the profile worked to direct the water towards two drainage slots cut in the aft face of the bottom guide.

You will see from previous posts that I have panelled the aft face of the companionway bulkhead in sapele, I had for some time mulled over in my mind that the outer face of the companionway panels might look aesthetically unappealing if painted; this became immediately apparent once they were slotted into place. I therefore continued the hardwood boards onto the plywood panels, taking care to line through the grooved joints to maintain continuity.

Note the drainage slots cut into the bottom guide

The companionway panels in place. I plan to fit a bronze star

 in the centre of the featured upper panel (for good luck!)

Other work undertaken included the fitting of the rudder, mainsheet  transom horse, constructing a platform in the starboard locker to support the auxiliary fuel tank complete with retaining straps and a plug in point for the motor alternator wiring feed to the battery to allow quick disconnection and removal of the motor.

To achieve a professional looking fuel tank installation, it was necessary for the fuel delivery pipe to pass through the bulkhead forming the aft face of the locker. To maintain its water tightness, I fitted a rubber bellow Witches Hat, the sort of thing you would commonly see fitted to a steering wheel or a gear stick, this provides an excellent neat looking flexible seal.  

Note on the port side the alternator plug in point for battery charging 

The stowed auxiliary fuel tank showing the Witches Hat 

for the fuel delivery pipe