GL: manholes or something like that

[Bill Donovan]

Sue,

You don't give us much to go on, like brand of hatch or make of 
boat.  However, it sounds like you may have a Freeman hatch, and it 
sounds like it may be jammed.  You should be able to lift the 
"T"-like handle and turn it about 1/4 turn to release the locking 
mechanism, then lift up.  If it won't turn, it may be jammed.

You might try lubricating it with something like PB Blaster and try 
again.  If all else fails, an extension on the handles (a length of 
pipe works well) may give you the leverage to break the jam.  Those 
hatches are expensive, so tread lightly.

If you can determine the manufacturer of the hatch, try contacting 
them directly for advice before risking damage to the hatch.

Good luck,

Bill


At 08:35 AM 5/22/2008, mbach at bellsouth.net wrote:
>Hello,
>The new boat has a manhole (is that what it is called?) that must be 
>opened to provide access to the chain locker.  We really need to get 
>in there to clear up a jammed chain.  We have tried and tried cannot 
>figure it out.....can someone on the list please try to help us?
>We turn the handle round and round and nothing happens, or we pull 
>it out toward us, and it will no longer turn, and still nothing happens.
>Thanks,
>Sue
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