Creaky forehatch

alahol2

alahol2

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Apr 2004
Messages
6,127
Location
Portchester, Solent
www.troppo.co.uk
I have a Gebo forehatch on the boat, fitted a few years back. The hatch has a friction hinge to hold it open, no stays. When opening/closing the hatch makes a god awful creaking noise, not so bad during the day but when opened at 2 o'clock in the morning in a quiet anchorage... it's frankly embarrassing. Do all friction hinges do this or do I need to lubricate it or clean it or something? If so what with. If I lubricate it will it still stay open at 45 degrees?
 
Me too, same problem same Gebo hatch!!! I also am reluctant to lubricate for fear that the hatch will self-close, as it tends to do anyway.

If you reach a satisfactory solution, please pm me or post an update. Good luck.
 
Me three, same embarrassingly creaky friction hinge, though not sure what make my hatches are.

maxi said:
Me too, same problem same Gebo hatch!!! I also am reluctant to lubricate for fear that the hatch will self-close, as it tends to do anyway.

If you reach a satisfactory solution, please pm me or post an update. Good luck.
Click to expand...
 
Had an email back from Gebo.
He says that the hinges should not be lubricated in any way and suggests de-greasing them. I've never put any lubricant on them but I suppose it's possible some polish may have got in there. Maybe I'll try degreasing over the winter.
 
Simple - your hinges are starting to spall / gall - stainless/stainless hinge/pin - soon they will seize or break - open them and clean them well and be prepared to retension the hinge.
 
cliff said:
Simple - your hinges are starting to spall / gall - stainless/stainless hinge/pin - soon they will seize or break - open them and clean them well and be prepared to retension the hinge.
Click to expand...

I'm 99% certain there's a nylon or similar 'friction jacket' round the hinge pin so galling isn't going to be the problem on the Gebo.
 
The Gebo hatches have a tension-bolt system than applies the friction- you've probably got a buildup of aluminium oxide and road-grime in the hinge.
Take the hinge apart- possibly concealed beneath little black caps you should find the bolt-heads- and clean the joints up with a slightly acidic solution. Vinegar added to dishwashing liquid should do it- and a toothbrush to apply it.
Then reassemble with some Duralac or similar on the bolts, and apply a smidge of silicone grease to the mating surfaces of the hinge. The plastic gubbinses inside are what gives the friction effect, so don't lose them. Just saying...
 
On the Lewmar hatches, and I'd expect it to apply to Gebo and all others, there are dire warnings not to get solvents near the perspex; not suggesting anyone is, just a reminder.
 
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