Stuck Center Hatch

My center hatch is completely stuck.  I can't turn the handle to unlock it and get it open.  Can I just unscrew the screws, or would I get screwed and ruin the hatch?

Thanks.

HB

Is this a Hobie's hatch?  Try push the lid down while turning the handle.

Yes it is a hobie hatch.  I tried that, no luck.  Thanks Sonny.

HB

Bryan, how often do you use it?  If you never use it, I could see how something might have corroded in the twist handle preventing it from opening.  If you use it regularly, maybe some small plastic part broke which is preventing it from opening.  I'm just thinking out loud.

My suggestion would be to take it back to the shop you bought it from and see what they can do.

How often do I use it...hahaha...like 3-4 days a week.  I have a box of new frogs in there, and a hawg trough.  If I can get the frogs out somehow, I don't care if it stays stuck.  I would take it back to the shop up in Sac, but that's like $40 in gas.  If I can unscrew it without damaging it, get my stuff out, I'd be happy with that.  I am leary of damaging it somehow though.

Thanks for your advice.

HB

Either the knob is frozen or there is something blocking the inside latch. I would try and flood the handle area with wd40 or something similar. If that doesnt work then you will need to try and access the underside from another hatch or as you mentioned remove the hatch with the screws. Shouldn't be a problem to remove and reinstall.

I unscrewed it...problem solved, sort of.  Do I need any kind of goop to re-seal it, or should it be good to go?  I'll find out Monday for sure when I take it out again.  The lock device thing is real tight and fussy.  It has always been a chore to open and close it.  I may need to replace it anyway, I think they are like $50-60.

Thanks again for all the help guys.

HB

I had a problem like yours, what I did (once I got it open) was very carefully shave a little off each locking tang where it slid into the outside rim, it doesn't take much to make it easier to open.  If you do that use care to shave just a little and check it, because of the fit it doesn't take much to go too far and have it not be tight enough to seal.

On reinstalling the hatch, I'd use silicone, it's pretty easy to remove if need be and you'd be surprised at how much water can seep into your hull thru an unsealed seam after a day of wet fishing.

(This is all from learning experiences)

Thanks Dale.  Where do I put the silicone: all the way around, top and bottom, just the screw holes?  I'm gonna mess around with the locking tang (that's a new vocab word for me) and see if lubing it like Eric said help, if not, I'll try shaving it down a little.

Thanks again.

HB

I had the exact same problem.
The twist handle ended up breaking off at the pin.
I had to use a pair of pliers to twist open the mechanism.
Once it was open I removed the gasket from around the hatch cover.
After I did that the hatch opened and closed no problem.
Rather than spend the money for an entire new hatch ($58) I did a JB Weld job on the handle which so far works fine.
I am going to put the same gasket back on but ever so gently shave it down where it is rubbing the most. If that doesn't work I will buy a new gasket ($8).
I think with the hull expanding and contracting with the changing temps it causes the hatch opening to fluxuate from it's perfect circle a little bit. Just enough to make the cover not seat perfectly.

Well it all worked.
A piece of chalk and a Dremel tool with a cone shaped grinding stone bit are your friends.
Leave the gasket on the hatch. Run the chalk all around the gasket.
Open the hatch so it is straight up and down. Slowly work the grinding stone along the chalk line keeping it at a 45 degree angle.
You can continue working from the top portion and just spin the gasket a couple of inches at a time.
Take off a little at a time. Once you have removed the chalk line see if it closes any easier.
If not make another chalk line and do it again.
Keep doing it until you are comfortable with it.
I also took a bastard file and made a few passes around the circunference of the top hatch.
I poured some water onto the hatch and nothing leaked in.
Since it's not a submarine I am pedaling I am happy with the seal and it opens and closes MUCH easier now.
Just saved $58 and having to wait for it to show up at my door. SWEET!!!!!

I'm adding that to my to do list. 

Thanks Tote.

On using silicone for reinstall.

Gotta make sure we're talking about the same thing.  I'm imagining that you took the whole hatch assembly out of the hull so that you end up with the ring and the lid in your hands.

I run a bead of silicone around the hole in the hull so that it crosses each screw hole, this seals between the hatch ring and hull and the screw holes. I try to keep the bead about 1/8" and dab a little extra as I cross the screw holes. 

good luck.

HB, I have the same problem. On mine I remove the pin that holds the handle on with some pliers. Then remove the corkscrew latch and lube with silicone grease where it goes thru the hatch and reassemble. I also use the silicone grease on the o-ring. Once greased it works o.k. for a while and then eventually I have to do it again. jim

I clean mine after every fishing trip.  I make sure all the sand and junk is washed and wiped clean.  Then I spray a few drops of Armor All underneath the handle and apply some a around the gasket.  This is a plastic part so WD 40 will not work as good.

I found out if I do this, it feels like its brand new.