Westerly headlining probs - is removing and just painting an option?

[justanothersailboat]

Interesting, thanks.

I've had the hatch freeze in the yard and the kettle does seem to be the best bet. Not had that on the mooring buoy yet, but it occurred to me that it would be somewhat awkward if I got there and found it frozen shut with no kettle access. Haven't yet figured out a totally safe way of leaving some sort of ready-to-use heat source in the cockpit locker that will wait there happily til I need it. I like your suggestion of a screen de-icer spray to prevent refreeze, never thought of that on the boat, I might add one.

 

[Refueler]

Interesting, thanks.

I've had the hatch freeze in the yard and the kettle does seem to be the best bet. Not had that on the mooring buoy yet, but it occurred to me that it would be somewhat awkward if I got there and found it frozen shut with no kettle access. Haven't yet figured out a totally safe way of leaving some sort of ready-to-use heat source in the cockpit locker that will wait there happily til I need it. I like your suggestion of a screen de-icer spray to prevent refreeze, never thought of that on the boat, I might add one.

You should be able to buy Silicon based spray that is for spraying car door rubbers etc to stop them freezing.

In extremis - you could always carry a thermos of hot water ..... you could mix Anti-freeze and water .... or if you can get it - winter windscreen wash .... either can help ...

 

[ducked]

You should be able to buy Silicon based spray that is for spraying car door rubbers etc to stop them freezing.

MUCH less demanding role.

It might help a bit, but IIRC I'd already Silicone-sprayed my runners on the Trident during my initial clean -up and it froze pretty solid on the first frost, so not to be relied on alone.

I'd think it freezing while you were inside (aided by rising condensate freezing in the sliders) would be very likely too, but in that case you should still be able to exit via the forehatch and get to your screen sprayer in the cockpit locker. Watch yourself on that icy deck.

(Or just put the kettle on. Using it to defrost would be too dangerous but the rising heat from the stove would probably get you out eventually)

 

[Refueler]

Of course the spray has to be made so all parts are covered ... its no good just spraying the exterior and leaving the runner / seal unsprayed inside ...

Also use of HOT water is subject to what material is your hatch .... like a car windscreen - hot water can crack the perspex of a hatch .. so luke warm or cold water above freezing is best. But if you use water - then it needs to be dried and a release spray applied after opening.