H34 Seahood

[ScottFreeRick]

Today I removed the seahood from my boat. We have leaks from the starboard side, over the galley and table. The water is seeping down through and dripping out the screw holes. I have reviewed all the write ups on the site about these leaks and the repairs. I am curious if anyone considered sealing the holes through the deck with epoxy to prevent water intrusion. Then attach the seahood with a suitable adhesive, such as VHB tape (although VHB may be too permanent). This would eliminate the holes and so the leaks. The only problem would be how to deal with the holes in the seahood. Any thoughts?

 

[markwbird]

The possibilities for leaks are endless but I can tell you that the sliding companionway hatch does not drain well and water makes its way into the ceiling above the galley. I fixed this when I replaced the companionway hatch. I cut a 1/2“ wide x 1/4” deep groove into the hatch cover about 2” back from the forward edge. The groove runs the full width of the hatch cover. This catches water and sends it to each side where it drains back into the cockpit instead of into the ceiling. The difference is night and day.

 

[ScottFreeRick]

The water is definitely coming in further forward in the cabin, under the seahood. That is a great idea to cut a channel in the forward end of the hatch to drain the area. This forum is such a great place to get other prospective and solutions to issues. And the groove is so simple. Thank you!

 

[jk kudera]

Your leaks are possibly from the thru bolted teak hand rails on deck.

 

[ScottFreeRick]

The handrails are through bolted and no evidence of leaks there. The drips are coming from the screws that hold the seahood in place. Still curious if anyone has used an adhesive to attach the forward part of the hood and capped the screw holes as I mentioned in my earlier post?

 

[Tally Ho]

I removed the sea hood on my O’Day 322 a few years back to remove the teak trim that held it in place.

When I reassembled things, I used some caulk sealant in all of the screw holes before I screwed them down.

I have no leaks from any of the screws. And I accidentally drove 3 screws right through the deck and the interior liner (I still need to fix that). But importantly, none of them leak.

You could try a sealant like 4200 (maybe 5200, but that may destroy the parts if you ever want to remove it later) to hold down the sea hood, but better if you can get at least a few screws in it to make sure it doesn’t fly off in a strong blow (or someone grabs/pushes/pulls/… on it).

Greg

 

[ScottFreeRick]

Great to know that the sealant worked and has stood up to time. I think I will stick with something easier to remove than 4200.

 

[Jim szczublewski]

I removed the seahood on my 34 and then thru drilled holes instead of the self tappers and i totally regret it. should have just used 4200

 

[Artey1]

I removed the seahood on my 34 and then thru drilled holes instead of the self tappers and i totally regret it. should have just used 4200

Why the regret? How did you seal the thru drilled holes?

 

[Jim szczublewski]

yes, but just think it wasn't necessary. it freaking took so much effort to get it off initially that I think if u just use 4200 it's never going to go anywhere anyway. and now I have 20 or so holes in the cabin top that are eventually going to leak.