Sanding hatch covers

[JollySickTime]

I have a 2006 215 and love the boat but there are 2 fish box hatches that don't fit flush so they are slightly raised when closed and create a tripping hazard. What is the best method to sand the high spots so the hatches fit flush. I have several different types of power sanders. Also what is the right grit sandpaper to use? Thanks for your help... 6 weeks until the bass return to the northeast...... cant wait!!!!

[mtty]

I believe I'd try to adjust the hinges before I sanded the covers. It may be that the mateing surface is deformed. Heat it and make the necessary adjustments for a flush fit. If that doesn't work grind away finishing with a 600 grit paper and then buff with a wheel to return to thwe original sheen.

[elroy]

Is this somthing that is covered under warranty??? just a thought

Originally Posted by JollySickTime

I have a 2006 215 and love the boat but there are 2 fish box hatches that don't fit flush so they are slightly raised when closed and create a tripping hazard. What is the best method to sand the high spots so the hatches fit flush. I have several different types of power sanders. Also what is the right grit sandpaper to use? Thanks for your help... 6 weeks until the bass return to the northeast...... cant wait!!!!

2006? and you want to start sanding a hatch to make it fit better??? Thats nuts, my butt would be at the dealer 1st thing in the morning. Bottom line, its a one year old boat, its the dealers or Triumph's problem not yours.

[JollySickTime]

Thanks for the info.. The dealer I used is a 6 hour round trip because the local guy is a jerk (2 tanks of gas). The covers are only off a tiny bit and its the edge of the hatch covers that are hiting and need to be sanded down so your never see it except when opening it. I'm off to a fishing/boat show this am and they have a triumph display so I hope to be able to talk to a company rep instead of the local dealer who wanted over $1,500 more for the same package I got in Mass.

[elroy]

Hi Jolly, what boat show, neboatshow?

[JollySickTime]

Hartford CT fishing hunting boat expo

[frankc]

same problem on my 06. it seems that the plastic expands and contracts with the heat and cold. some days it fit better than others. part of owning a plastic boat i guess. still love it.

[MolarBoater]

After adjusting hinge, etc. If you still have a slight discrepency, think about sanding the inside of the hatch or lip slightly.

If it is more than a slight thing....might want to take it to the dealer and get their opinion. Is this something new or did you buy the boat this way?

Molar

[Jan from Humboldt]

How much do you plan to take off? I'm assuming you'd want to shave off some from the underside rather than booger up the top.

If it were me I'd pull the covers and shave them off with a good sharp high speed router blade as attempting to sand plastic creates heat and the melted plastic will give you the fits.

We are only talking a small fraction of an inch right?

The surface they sit on might also be warped so get a good straight edge and find the high spots and it might only be a matter of shaving off a little here and there to get the hatch to sit lower.

The fix might be a lot simpler than you think.