Hatch covers (circular plates) are stuck.

My hatch covers on my Getaway are really tight. I haven't been able to open them since I bought them. I've only tried opening them with my hands… and am unsure if there are any tools to do the job. Any suggestions on getting these babies unstuck?

Below is a photo of hatch covers so you know what I'm talking about. These are not mine. This is just an image I found online.

guessing they where screwed shut when wet and a little sand was in the threads...not uncommon. take a pair of pliers, turn them upside down and put the handle ends into the hatch slots and turn counterclockwise. if you are unable to break it loose then soak the thread area with WD40 and try again. one way or another you need to make the upside down plier method work...you might need to buy some longer pliers (I have a set that is about 3" longer than normal that I keep in my tool kit). good luck

_________________
2001 H18 w/SX wings & spinnaker #16740 (purchased new)
1989 H18 w/SX wings #14565 (purchased new, sold 2000)
Would buy another if Hobie would build it.

Thanks, I'll give this a shot.