Sliding hatch question.

[C27Shockwave]

Hiya,
I'm new to the forum. I have a 1977 Catalina 27. Sweetheart of a boat. Yep, you guessed it, her name is ShockWave.

She's up on the hard waiting for spring and I'm sprucing her up. I'm taking off all the teak so I can refinish it and seal any deck leaks when I put it back on.

My question concerns the teak tracks that the companionway sliding hatch rides in. When I apply the finish should I varnish the inside of the groove too or leave it bare? Will the hatch slide okay on varnish or will it stick when it gets hot? And if I should leave the varnish out of the groove, should I put something in it to help it slide? I've had good luck with Cetol on other projects and that's what I plan on using this time too.

Your thoughts and ideas will be much appreciated.
Thanks

[redcorvette1995]

Hi,

I varnished the tracks on mine.
No problems, it looks great and it slides great.
Just make sure your varnish has UV protection in it and give it time to dry.
Use lots of thin coats and start varnishing early, so that by the time you are ready to launch it will be thoroughly dry.

Todd

[sailingfool]

I assume when you say "varnish" you mean coating, as Cetol is not a varnish. I'm a big fan of Cetol for exterior teak (unless your Hinkley or Bristol came with a legal covenent mandating the use of varnish...) so go at it, and I wouldn't think there be a problem with coating the tracks. I've never noticed any softening of Cetol. Should the hatch not slide easily, apply some McLube Sailkoate to them.

[C27Shockwave]

Yes, I was using the term "varnish" for applying a coating. Cetol is my choice. I've used it to coat hatch boards, toe rails, and hand rails. I even used it on my picnic table and finally I have a varnish that lasts longer than one season. I like that it's not high gloss and it's durable. To me, it's what I envision as salty. However, I've never used Cetol where anything worked or slid against it. I was worried that it might stick or squeak when sliding my hatch open. Thanks to you guys I'm ready to start coating the pieces in the garage. I appreciate the Sailkote suggestion. I hadn't thought of that. I have some on the boat but I've only used it my cars and traveler.

Thanks again,
Tom