26X sliding hatch track repair question

A forum for discussing boat or trailer repairs or modifications that you have made or are considering.
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DaveB
Admiral
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Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:34 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Cape Coral, Florida,1997 Mac. X, 2013 Merc.50hp Big Foot, sold 9/10/15

Re: 26X sliding hatch track repair question

Post by DaveB »

I debated years to put Velcro under the hatch. I did The hatch slides easy this using full length and unscrewed the 3 screws on port side to take off the hatch. I repaired the ware to gelcoat and added the Velcro. This was done a year ago and went thru hot SW florida heat with no problems.
The Velcro keeps the hatch up a tiny bit so the light dust/sand does not scratch the gelcoat. hatch slides easy now and fine dust does not cause gelcoat sanding effect.
As others have said , most of the wear was at front hatch deck for about 9 inches.
This Mod is well known and many MacX owners have done it. Look it search for details others had posted.
You do want the loop Velcro as it has better wear and better protection against fine dust.
This also gives better protection against strong wind rain, spray water down tracks often to keep it clean.
Dave

Tomfoolery wrote:I've looked all over, and can't locate the answer I need.

When applying velcro to the underside of the hatch, is it a continuous strip, or just several patches on each side?

I think water is coming in from the screw holes for the plastic keeper bar, and the larger screws for the jib track, but I'm not positive. The gelcoat doesn't seem to be so badly worn that water is getting in through there, and I've even dribbled water on them for hours without a drop coming in, so all I can guess is that it's the screw holes.

Any insight on the velcro would be appreciated. 8)
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Highlander
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Location: Maccutter26M 2008 75HP Merc. 4/S Victoria BC. Can. ' An Hileanto'ir III '
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Re: 26X sliding hatch track repair question

Post by Highlander »

A little late to the show , here,s my resolve
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... ding+hatch


J 8)
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sailboatmike
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Australia

Re: 26X sliding hatch track repair question

Post by sailboatmike »

Thanks for the info, I was at the boat today and I have a leak but on the starboard side, seems to be coming from the plugs in the liner above the table, Im pretty sure that its the hatch slides, I empowered now to putt it off and have a look, I get water sitting in the map well of the table after rain
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