Hi John, Just a thought, don't know where your mainsheet track is but since I raised mine off the cockpit sole I then removed the lower cleat that supported the bottom edge of the hatch boards and ran the new side rails down to my mainsheet location. That gave me a better lap of the companionway opening with the boards at the bottom. I also added two barrel bolts on the inside of the bottom board so I could hold it in place during rough conditions. I never plan to be out in those but...."ounce of prevention...." good luck, Tom B On Thu, Aug 3, 2017 at 5:22 PM, John Schinnerer <john@eco-living.net> wrote:
Hi all,
I'm contemplating what to use for new companionway boards on my M17. It came with some probably previous-owner-made plywood ones that are warped enough across their width that they don't line up well any more, especially the joint between the middle and top one (3 boards on mine).
What has anyone used for companionway boards?
Looking for experiences anyone has had with various options.
I'm pondering something like Starboard. Anyone had problems with sagging/warping in hot weather? Or thermal expansion/contraction?
I am also wondering if the lighter weight Starboard XL would work - anyone used that for anything? Mostly it just says it's 30% lighter, and has "less structural strength." But not clear exactly what that means...for this kind of application.
Looking for a reasonable combination of price vs. durability. And low maintenance is desirable.
Thus the questions about plastic board products. Oiled teak would look gorgeous but I think it would cost a fortune.
thanks, John S.
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com