Cabin top out of square

radicalcy · Post by **radicalcy** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 3:17 pm

I'm fitting the new companionway hatch cover, and I realize that the cabin top is out of kilter. Higher on one side than the other. I have the boat on a trailer and of course most of the load is on the keel. The trailer started out level, but it has settled a bit to one side.
Is it unusual for the hull to distort to the extent that this would be the effect? Should I be particularly concerned? There are minor stress cracks in the lower corners of the companionway, but they were there when the boat was in the water. I'm launching next week. so I guess I'll know then if it's going to be a problem.
Larry Wilson
1965 Columbia Sabre

bcooke · Post by **bcooke** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:36 pm

In my limited experience I have learned that nothing is square or symmetrical on my Triton and I no longer expect it to be. It is almost like two different boats were cut in half and then those halfs were glued together to make my boat. I have started to think of the boat as a living thing which twists and bulges and sags (much like my gut between winter and summer) and is inherently unsymmetrical to begin with.

I wouldn't say unequivocally that nothing is going on but the fact that things don't line up is not an automatic indicator that there is a problem.

$.01

-Britton

radicalcy · Post by **radicalcy** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:42 pm

Well to be perfectly honest, thats how they built the Sabre. Clamshell molds, and the two halves were glued together.
I'll just build in some room to the hatch cover, and hope for the best.
Thanks for your comments.
Larry

radicalcy · Post by **radicalcy** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 10:58 pm

Just a followup note here. When we launched the Sabre, the cabin top and I presume the hull, went back to the original shape. The Cabin Hatch is now square to the track.