Companionway leaks C30

[Rick]

I like everyone with a boat am experiencing leaks around the companionway that drip down the inside board (leaving stains), into the bilge and out the back. I would like to know what other have done to try and remedy this on the 30. I have all kinds of wild ideas but would like to know if anything has worked yet.Thanks.

 

[Ron2533]

companionway leaks

For years, and on various boats, we have replaced the cumbersome hatchboards with a clear plastic one piece insert, fitted snugly to the slides. You can get various tinted shades to suit. It makes a great picture window, provides lots of light to the cabin, and does not have joints to leak. It stores on or under the quarter berth. Cost is minimal, and access is easier than dealing with multibil boards. Good sailing Ron B

 

[rose20532]

Companionway Leaks

I had the same problem on my Catalina 27. I put some 3/4 inch white foam insulation tape with adhesive on one side in the tracks on both sides that I got at Home Depot. When the boards are put in the foam is compacted, sealing out the leaks. Works great!Also, make sure the leaks are not coming through the horizontal edges of the boards when they are in place. Polyurethane seal will fix that if necessary.

 

[Dale Hemmerich]

Canvas

Another solution is to have your local canvas shop make a cover to over the hatch. Keeps the water out and protects the Teak finish.

 

[Bob]

Try a Cover

When I bought our 1988 Catalina last year I was amazed just how much the previous owner did in protecting his vessel with sunbrella covers. Imagine if you would that every piece of teak including the bow sprit had custom made covers. Add to that the instrument panel, Edson steering station, cockpit storage bins, etc, and you have the makings of prolonged life and lasting beauty of the wood and fiberglass. The largest cover (8 ft by 10 ft) is the one that fits over the all the entrance boards, extends over the teak rails to the very end of the forward hatch. It snaps securely over all the windows close to where the deck meets the raised coach work. The piece has two zippers (one for around the mast and the other over the entrance boards). I am sooooo grateful I have these as I do not have to deal with leaks thru the entrance boards, the teak brite work stays wonderfully sound and full of luster, the cabin stays dry, it maintains shade in the cabin, it all waterproof and the inconvenience to remove all this stuff is not problem at all. I must admit, other sailors are envious. If I ever decide to replace my Catalina 30 with another boat, the GREATEST investment I could ever make is to have sunbrella covers made for the vessel. I proudly pass this suggestion onto you.regardsBobBreezin II