Removal of companionway hatch

Hi guys,
Having almost completed the sanding and oiling/varnishing the fixed timber on Adventure, I’m planning to remove the hatches and take them to the factory for re-caulking and varnishing. The temperature’s now getting up over 100?F with high humidity, which in the absence of a covered shed, makes working on her a bit of a chore.

Can anyone tell me if there is a trick for removing the sliding companionway hatch?
It looks to me as though I have to unscrew the brass rails, but when the hatch is fully closed or fully open, is there not one screw on each side which remains covered in both positions?

Right - I recall removing all screws from bronze/brass sliders - first doing the aft section, then sliding the hatch to reveal remaining screws, but all were accessible – but it was not a straightforward process.

Hey Ben !
That was quick - thanks!

We removed IDUNA’s sliding hatch two or three times.

  1. Remove the seahood,

  2. Mark the rails - starboard aft, port aft,

  3. Slide the hatch closed and remove the screws holding the brass rail,

  4. Slide the hatch forward and remove the screws holding the brass rail,

  5. Lift the hatch slightly on one side and slide the rail out,

  6. Remove the next rail,

  7. Lift the hatch off the boat.

Thanks Rod - Helpful as always!
I thought this was the way.