Catalina 30 Hatch rails?

[PDA1]

One of plastic rails that caps the port side of the sliding hatch on my Catalina 30 (1994) has cracked.

I'd like to make another one to replace it.

Do you know where I can get that type of plastic? It's white and solid.

Yes, I could use Teak or Mahogany but I like plastic.

Azek boards are too open celled and soft.

Any ideas?

[a64pilot]

I think maybe it's HDPE? http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23869

[PDA1]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I think maybe it's HDPE? High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheeting | U.S. Plastic Corp.

You beat me to it!

I was just looking at their site.

I think you're correct about the HDPE.

[Finistere]

My Island Packet had HDPE and the cracked as they did on many others. IP changed to Starboard and so did I, much less likely to crack since it is UV stable.

[PDA1]

Starboard looks like the stuff.

1" thick is what is needed.

I could always use some plastic deck boards from Home Depot but the color isn't good.

Thanks for the help.

[GordMay]

King StarBoard® is a very high quality high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
➥ King StarBoard® | King Plastic Corporation

[a64pilot]

I believe part of the key to not having it crack is to not use counter sunk screws.
My plan is to use pan head screws and countersink the heads using a counter bore that will give a hole with a flat bottom. I think the regular counter sunk screw leads to the cracking.

[PDA1]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I believe part of the key to not having it crack is to not use counter sunk screws.
My plan is to use pan head screws and countersink the heads using a counter bore that will give a hole with a flat bottom. I think the regular counter sunk screw leads to the cracking.

The crack occurred exactly at one of the screws which was countersunk.

Now, the matter is to just get the stuff....inexpensively.

[a64pilot]

I'm boat shopping, and seemingly almost all the boats I have looked at have cracked hatch board slides (if that's what this is called), it's about as common as bird poop on deck.
But maybe it just means that I don't have enough money to be looking at "good" boats?
Either way, looks to be a simple fix, I'm just guessing about the countersunk screws, but that is where they all break. I plan on buying a sheet of Starboard, the stuff is incredibly useful, from making cutting boards to bait stations, or even the board your water heater sits on

[HappyMdRSailor]

McMaster Carr...

For example a 3/4" x 1-1/2" x 36" piece of HDPE is less than $10. it will be at your door in less than 2 days for $15...

McMaster-Carr

Bet they would even have angle bars that would fit perfectly...

Read all about plastics for a wealth of info.... This company is the "go to" for just about everything....

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I'm boat shopping, and seemingly almost all the boats I have looked at have cracked hatch board slides (if that's what this is called), it's about as common as bird poop on deck.
But maybe it just means that I don't have enough money to be looking at "good" boats?
Either way, looks to be a simple fix, I'm just guessing about the countersunk screws, but that is where they all break. I plan on buying a sheet of Starboard, the stuff is incredibly useful, from making cutting boards to bait stations, or even the board your water heater sits on

McMaster is cheaper, faster, and has a better size range....

[azsailor12]

If it's cracking at the counterbore, maybe someone overtightened the screw?

[PDA1]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

McMaster Carr...

For example a 3/4" x 1-1/2" x 36" piece of HDPE is less than $10. it will be at your door in less than 2 days for $15...

McMaster-Carr

Bet they would even have angle bars that would fit perfectly...

Read all about plastics for a wealth of info.... This company is the "go to" for just about everything....

Perfect. They have many sizes too.

Thanks for the reference.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by PDA1

Perfect. They have many sizes too.

Thanks for the reference.

You bet man!

Don't know the configuration of your hatch slides, but if they are a typical flat with a notch (groove) cut out, they have plenty of angle profiles to try and make a nice fit... you aren't stuck with HDPE either... they have just about every polymer ...

Finally... Another recommendation... Buy your fasteners from here too... They are high quality where stated, and pass rigorous requirements... They have crap too, but you know that by descriptions... i.e. "economy"

They are a ton cheaper than your big box hardware store, are 10x the quality, and have a bazzilion more sizes available...

[azsailor12]

I agree on McMaster- fasteners, O'rings, hose clamps... Great prices on many things for boats. First used them at work, but great service for home use too.