[QUOTE=ProfDruhot;3143]so that it slides smoothly fore and aft.[/QUOTE]

While on the subject, does anyone know where to get that thin tape that lays in the companionway track to help is slide smoother? Mine has disappeared over the years.

The source of the tape is McMaster Carr, a source for just about everything.

Google it, and it will take you there.

You could use a PTFE tape, (Teflon) or a UHMW polyethylene tape. Either will work, and either has 101 uses. I used it on the bottom of the drawers to make them slide more easily when they are loaded with heavy stuff.

You guys are great. Don't know how I missed that post, 'cuz this has been bugging me for a while. Thanks again....:D

I went to TAP plastic and had them cut me a 1/8th" X 1" X 60" piece of white plastic (X2). I think the bill came to about $3.00. I slid the plastic under each slider and secured it with a dab of expoxy. The hatch no longer sqeaks, which could be heard from a mile away, and is as smooth as it was when it was new. If and when the plastic wears out I will repeat the process with a new piece of plastic. It's a cheap fix that works...

Leigh Valley has a slippery tape intended to make drawers slide easier.
It's about $11.50 for an 18 ft roll.
See: [url]http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32182&cat=1,110,43466[/url]

To add to your question: How does one gain access to the track of the sliding hatch? I tried to grease the tracks, but that was a BAD idea. Now, I need to clean the tracks before I install the tape, but I can't get inside the area. I am considering removing the sliding hatch entirely to do the installation..
Has anybody here had any experience with removing the main sliding hatch? I am considering either removing the front trim and pulling the hatch into the cockpit or pulling out the screws at the forward section and trying to lift the hatch out.

I was thinking of adding the tape on my 1996. I tried a few squirts of Sailkote (up and down each side) and that seems to be working well...so far.