In a message dated 6/30/04 7:25:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time, Tom.Smith@itron.com writes:
One small comment I would have on John's hatch board construction method (the link Howard provides goes to the M website and a description of John's approach) is it doesn't appear he's angled the miter cut pictured in step 1. Although his cut would keep rain from running into the cabin, because it's not angled, water can be trapped in the cut. A good finish would probably suffice to protect the boards, but a small angle eliminates the possibility of a problem. t
I agree with Tom; a simple miter lets water run out. I just finished solid teak companionway slides for the Folkboat, and they have a simple miter where they meet, not the rabbet. My recollection is this: the M-15 companionway dropboards can be no thicker than 1/2" to slide in the grooves. A half-inch is a pretty narrow "land" where the dropboards meet. When I tried the traditional 45 degree miter between the dropboards, the inclined planes slid down one upon the other and gave the companionway an unpleasant shingled appearance. I backed up and did the finicky rabbets instead. The alignment was improved and it looked better. When I was aboard and it was raining I always had a boom tent up, so no drips. Otherwise my boat was stored under cover. PS: sorry about the bouncing address. After I left CLC in February, they didn't take down my old email address, so the MSOG messages must have been piling up there. A faithful fan, I continue to follow the Montgomeries from this address. Cheers, John