Cockpit locker lids

[Seattle Scott]

What have people done for seals? I have none and would like to quiet down the starboard bench lid which "crunches" when stepped on. Also , the aft starboard should get seals to protect the fuel fill.Lastly, becauae of calf bruises/scapes I removed the clasps/latches from the aft lids last summer, which of course will allow two big holes to open in a knock down. So, has anyone come up with a latch that doesn't protrude or a way to lock down the lids and avoid banging up your legs? Pretty good winds last month in Puget Sound

 

[Ed Schenck]

Bought some seal.

My H37C has remnants of the stick on stuff. I bought a new roll at West Marine and will give it a try. I cut a 1" piece and stuck it on the back of an fiberglass inspection port. I wanted to test the adhesive. Well it works, I cannot budge that test strip. I have yet to get enough warm weather to clean the channels and apply the tape though. See page 572 in the WM catalog. There is "Hatch Tape" and "Weather Seal". I am trying the 1/4" hatch tape. It is 1/4" thick but almost 1/2" wide.I have small clasps with small padlocks that have never been a problem. Maybe because they are near the bulkheads and not in the middle. They keep the lids very tight so there are no rattles. The rubber tape is more to keep the water out when hosing the cockpit during cleaning.

 

[David Underwood]

Funny, I just installed latches....

Sure hope I don't experience the leg against the latch thing you described. After 23 years, I finnaly install two latches I purchased 20 years ago and they have been in my tool box ever since. But realizing that the ocean (when we ever make it to the coast) might find its way down below thur these locker lids. So, now I wonder if I have made a mistake by installing the latches. Geez, not sure anymore. Well, I've had horrible thoughts about how much water could enter the boat thur these lockers. The type of latches I used were the lock down anti rattle type. They lock without using a lock, but a lock can also be used. I think maybe a heavy gasket afixed to the underneath part of the lid, lined up with the lip of the locker opening is the way to go. With the anit rattle latches, alot of extra presure can be applied to the gasket when fully closed that would make it water tight. A friend once told me the Hunter 33 we bought new was sorta a kit boat.. that is 90% finished. He said I would spend the rest of my relationship with this boat upgrading and adding little things that it needed.. he has been right! enjoy and don't forget to go sailing. David