Leaky hatch cover in cockpit.

[Ben Mesker]

In my cockpit behind the wheel is a hatch that just rests over this slightly raised hole. I believe its called a lazarette hatch? Its right below where you sit when your steering, and it gives access to the steering quadrant. Anyway, the darn thing leaks when we get a stong rain or spray the deck off. Any suggestions on sealing it. The past owner had put a rubber seal around the opening and gooped it in with silicone. It looks like that may have lasted awhile but now its leaking again, and I want to fix it right. How did it come from the factory? You guys are always helpful, thanks for any replies.

 

[Stephen Ostrander]

inspection port

It is indeed an inspection port of the type made by Beckson and others. Its purpose is to give access to the rudder shaft in the event you need to use the emergency tiller. I would remove the port and rebed it. I also would replace the port while I had it out, in case its the removable part thats leaking. They don't cost very much. But you might get lucky if you remove and rebed the old port.

 

[Jim McCue]

leaky hatch cover

After rebedding the rubber gasket, you might want to replace the shock cord to something a bit more springy,,, they get tired and loose thier pull after a few years. Mine has an "S" hook connect so I can detach completely if necessary.Jim McCue