Bavaria 38 ocean Gebo hatch handle

[Jam]

Having trouble with handle on hatch...second time around.  One of the handles would not release to open and had to use force as no other way to release.  No access from inside as it a sealed storage compartment at the bow.  Handle turned but remain closed as other half remained in closed position.  This is the second time this has occurred.....replaced 2 handles last year.   Anyone had the same trouble.
Any advice appreciated.
John

[geoff]

Same hatches same problem . When I finally get the thing open I take it to bits and get some wd40 into the works . The problem seems to be salt crystals [I wonder where they come from?] Geoff

[Nigel]

I lube mine with silicone spray. Turning while hammering with your fist helps.

[Salty]

....... Handle turned but remain closed as other half remained in closed position.  This is the second time this has occurred.....
John

Clearly this is a design fault with the handle system, so has anyone determined exactly what goes wrong, which part of the system it is that allows the handle to turn but leave "half remained in closed position," and more importantly how to modify the design to prevent this from happening?
Odds are that there may be something you particularly need to use at that moment when the handle chooses not to cooperate, and which may result in an embarrassing or dangerous situation as a result.

[Yngmar]

I took mine apart, cleaned them and lubed them (also silicone grease), then glued the outer handles back on, which had come off on many of them (but PO had them all nicely collected in a plastic bag). No issues since, except once when something had shifted inside the sail locker and blocked the interior handle. Lesson learnt: Don't stuff it full to the brim

Spares are available by the way, but a bit dear: http://www.seateach.com/gebo-standard-hatch-spares-500-x-500mm.html

[Jam]

Thanks it seems a common problem, will remove and silicon grease them. Will take care not to fill locker at bow too full also.
Thanks for all the useful replies
John

[Nigel]

My external handles don't look like the ones in the link, they don't have a shaft. I've removed them all anyway.

[Yngmar]

My external handles don't look like the ones in the link, they don't have a shaft. I've removed them all anyway.

You're right, didn't see that on the picture. Not quite the right spares then.

Removing them is not an option for the sail locker on the 38/40 Ocean, as there is no way to open it other than from the outside handles (or a spanner, which I don't consider an improvement).

[Nigel]

 I didn't throw them away, I keep a couple by the chart table for opening the locker.

[blue-max]

I've got a leak from one handle, how easy is it to take apart - i don't want to break anything as due my location spares would be difficult to get. Any ideas on what could be the cause of the leak?

[Jam]

They are easy to take apart.  The blue locking button slides off and there is one central screw to be removed, the head is below and central to handle.  Re the leak Iam not sure but seem the remember rubber on surface of handle next to glass....but could be wrong. 
John

[Jam]

Update- handle off dismantled completely and cleaned and greased.  Moving better but if I tighten central screw seems slightly tight again so didn't over tighten!! Turning much freer now
John