We do it right because we do it twice..........

That is definitely my motto and probably should be the motto for most marine maintenance outfits.

I've been playing with the main companionway hatch for some time.  TIH came with the standard teak turtle hatch which is;
a. heavy,
b. requires maintenance,
c. is in pretty poor state.

I plan to swap it out for a Acrylic hatch (1/2" bronze translucent).  I have had real problems locating a suitable aluminum extrusion and have finally decided that they aren't available.  See this nice example from my friends Hunter 30;

Instead I'm following Rob's (Re-building a Westsail 42) example and using 80/20 extrusion.

Plan A;
T slot aluminum extrusion (#1003) and UHMW Bifold Hanger Profile was a bust due to excessive friction and I've moved on to;

Plan B
T slot aluminum extrusion (#1003) and T Slot Aluminum Linear Bearing (#6426).  So far its looking promising.

Hand rails....

The purist amongst you (you know who you are, you sad bunnies) may have noticed that I did not tape off my interior handrails, prior to painting. My plan was to remove them afterward and paint them separately. I was a bit concerned as to how they were attached. I need not have worried as the Canadian work ethic is well in evidence. A nice bolt, up through the lower handrail, through the deck and then through the handrail on the coach roof. Neat and solid. I will be replacing the exterior handrail with a synthetic rail. Possibly from these companies;

Brightworks

OR

Plasteak