Hatch Leak

[jaysweet]

I discovered some wet cushions in the v-berth right after haul-out. Testing with a hose revealed a leak from the black rubber gasket in the large Lewmar ocean hatch above the berth.

It's pretty clearly coming in at the seam in the gasket. My inclination is just to smear some sort of rubbery sealant into the seam: maybe just clear silicone. Any recommendations, please?

 

[kappykaplan]

Sikaflex should do it. That's how I repaired a gasket a few years ago.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Do verify which type of sealant you use for that application. Some of them do not adhere to the rubber and/or the plexi glass.

 

[Tally Ho]

Black gasket material might be the ticket…

3 Oz. Black RTV Silicone

Amazing deals on this 3Oz Black Rtv Silicone at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

harborfreight.com

I used something similar around my plexiglass window that was pulling away a little. Sealed it up nicely.

Greg

 

[JamesG161]

If you can get enough flex on the gasket, when hatch is open...
Dot one end with Super Glue, push ends together, and count to 10 and it will connect together again.
Jim...

PS: Pro tip from https://hatchmasters.com/

 

[jaysweet]

Thanks for the advice, guys. (Sorry not to reply sooner: work and all...) After some outside reading, I'm thinking clear silicone, or maybe the superglue thing. I do like that hatchmasters site, though: I'll keep that in reserve for a rainy day, so to speak.