Leaking hatch

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L

Leaky Lucy

Ahoy!
Need help.
My plexiglass came loose from the hatch frame. I have all the old sealant cleaned off both parts and ready to reseal it, but unsure of the best product to use for this.
Thanks in advance
Lucy
 
Nov 22, 2008
3,562
Endeavour 32 Portland, Maine
I have all the old sealant cleaned off both parts and ready to reseal it, but unsure of the best product to use for this.
I used West Marine clear silicone to install new glazing in my ports because it was the only clear silicone I could find that clearly stated that it had UV inhibitors. I and had leaks this summer, just two seasons later. The joint looked tight but, on close inspection, I could see that the compound had separated from the aluminum frame.

I routed out the grooves at the sides and put in a new bead of the same stuff. I can't think of anything better to use if I redid the whole job. It's expecting a lot of anything to remain tight with the different expansion rates of aluminum and plastic and the sun beating on the joint all summer long. Think of the temperature swings from hot summer to below zero in winter.

I had covers made for my hatches to greatly limit the sun UV exposure. If leaks develop again, they will also be on board to stop the annoying drip. I have a friend who can make beautiful covers with proper measurements.
 

Jim

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May 21, 2007
775
Catalina 36 MK II NJ
you have to use a caulk rated for plexiglass of plastic. Most of the marine caulks are NOT! They are for fiberglass, wood and steel.
 
Nov 22, 2008
3,562
Endeavour 32 Portland, Maine
Look here:
Thanks. That looks like a great resource. This page probably explains the problem I had with my hatchs:

http://www.selectplastics.com/index.php/blogs/tonyd/sealants.html

I had them back on the boat in the cold only a few days after I bedded in the new lenses. Mine go in a deep recess so it would have taken a long time for the silicone to fully kick.

I should have researched which compound to use but there was such a large "L" shaped faying surface that I didn't think it could be very critical. It probably wouldn't have been but for some gaps under the bottom that the degraded edge seals let water get to.

I'll probably have to pull both hatches again within a year or so. This time, I may send them down to these folks to be sure it gets done right.
 
Sep 25, 2008
2,288
C30 Event Horizon Port Aransas
I am glad you posted this. I just bought some sikiflex 292 to rebed my port lights. wonkodsane-the archive thread you posted was very helpful. I think I will buy the Dow 995. Is anyone else using this?
That thread went into my important boat documents. I will have to take care of the port lights soon. We haven't had rain in over a year. I was on the boat last weekend and it rained for a couple of hours. Half the ports were leaking fairly well.
 
L

Leaky Lucy

All of the above mentioned products(Dow 795 & 995, GE-4000 and Sikiflex) sound very good but where does one find them?
Lucy
 
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