Mid and rear hatches are stuck

Hi, The mid and rear round hatches of my newly acquired AI are stuck shut. Latch handles turn but don't seem to be engaging with anything, and no amount of pulling will open them. The lids don't seem to be properly seated in the frame and are probably leaking.

What's the best way to handle this?

Lake Waccamaw Sailors

First, spray some WD40 around the seals and let it soak in for a while. Then try gently heating and tapping the area around the door with a hair dryer or other such means. You can also try hot water. Do not overheat. Hopefully, this will break the bond.

If you get it open, clean off all the WD40, and then use a silicone lubricant safe for rubber and plastic to ensure it doesn't happen again.

If none of that works, or you are in a hurry, just remove the screws and pull the whole hatch assembly so you can access both sides and see what is going on. This way you can lubricate and seal everything good and not wonder going forward what state things are in.

Peter

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2016 Hobie Oasis with Evolve v2 rudder mount, Sidekick ama kit, Mirage sail kit, Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 42dv, bilge pump
2007 Hobie Outfitter x 2 with Mirage sail kits, large rudder blades

Thanks for the feedback, wd40, the hot sun and the corner of a paint scraper worked. Some silicon lube & good to go!