Leaks,,,,, HELP!!!!

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Jim Anzalone

I just spend the weekend on my boat during a northeastern, rain. I just got done replace the weather gasket strip on the forward access hatch. Now it seems to be leaking from the top, near the mast. Should I try to replace it again or try running a bead of silicone down the front of it. Also, the sun light port behind the mast is leaking a little. The caulking looks good topside. Anyone ever had this problem and fixed it? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
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Bill O'Donovan

Boats leak

It's their nature. Best you can do is stand there during a rainstorm and spot the leaks. When you disembark, pile the cushions up on the table out of harm's way, and put down small towels to soak up the drips. All of these efforts will help keep the bilge dry, which will keep down nasty smells and mold.
 
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Mike

With all due respect Mr Bill....

Water seeping in from parts known or unknown can do more damage than just smelly cushions and/or a moldy boat. As far as hatches go, if water seeps into the deck core from the mounting screws or the flange seal, the deck core can rot out over time. And that will cost bucks to fix. I spent a lot of time on my old boat finding and fixing all leaks......she's dry as a bone in heavy rains..... Jim, any leaks through the deck especially need to be addressed, not ignored. Keep caulking around that hatch until the leak stops. Generally, if the seal around the clear plastic window of the hatch is leaking, it's time to think about a new hatch. But you can caulk around this joint topside and it will stop the leak. You will probably have to do that every season or every other season though. You can also caulk around the outside flange if water is seeping in through there, but if the flange is letting water in, you should remove and re-bed the hatch next off-season.
 
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Jim A

Thanks Mike.

I sail out of the Forked River. I am going to try and caulk away! This winter I am going to start pulling the harware off to re-caulk. Do you thing stainless or bass windows are worth the extra money? Thanks Jim
 
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Mike

$$$

Plastic Hatches and windows are expensive to begin with. On the right boat, I am sure brass and perhaps stainless would pretty up the boat. Personally, I would not spend the bucks on metal replacements. But it's your money... Mike
 
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