Sealing the hatch cover?

[Scott T-Bird]

We sail our boat in protected waters so water washing over the coach roof is never an issue. However, I have been putting some thought into preparation for sailing this boat where it isn't so protected. Even on the Hudson River, with the likelyhood of strong winds and an opposing tide, I would guess that we could find ourselves with a considerable amount of wind driven spray over the coach roof. It concerns me that the gap between the roof and our sliding cover would let in a lot of water. It certainly does if I spray the roof down with a hose directing spray right into the gap. Under the hood, there is a sort of lip but I can't see that it really seals tight even when closed up tight. Anybody have a similar issue and have had it resolved?

 

[Ross]

Depending upon the width of the gap you may be able to fit a foam gasket into the area. They make a closed cell backer rod for caulking work and closed cell foam pipe insulation also there is weather strip for door bottoms. Haunt the hardware stores for stuff that looks promising.

 

[Benny]

That is OK, you will net get in that much water; certainly nothing that could not be handled by a working bilge pump. We sailed on an h34 this summer and in all his wisdom a PO installed ventilation ports over the V-Berth; well we dunked the bow a couple of times going up the New Jersey coast and it look like the Niagara falls were coming in. It really was nothing that could not be dried by paper towels but we advised the current owner to have those sealed or replaced with ones that could be closed.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Any drop of water down below

is one too many.

Scott, what the next step up in sliding hatch covers is is called a sea hood. The sliding cover is covered by another cover. Take a look on some larger boats.

Either build one over your sliding hatch, or find another clever way to seal your huge hole.

Good luck on the wider cruising grounds, you're one of the guys who contributes here who sounds like he can handle it with glee and relish, with a healthy dose of care and caution. Hold the ketchup!

 

[jibes138]

How about adding a dodger

Your set up looks a lot like my old C25 but that was even worse, it also has a pop top held down by two wing nuts. I never popped it and always dreamed of bonding it down before I finally decided to move on to another boat. i think a dodger would keep out most spray and wash or at least significantly reduce the ingress of water.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Scott, I would try a rubber gasket mounted to the little lip under there before fabricating a sea hood.

 

[kendall]

That little lip will act like a dam and stop -most- water from coming in.

I'll second the suggestion of a seahood. Best way to prevent water from washing into the hatch. Your boat, with those raised pads the hatch sits on, looks like it would be very easy to build one for. I feel the materials to build one could be picked up for less than $100.

Ken.

Also, on the rubber gasket, hardware stores carry pipe insulation which is simply a tube of high density closed cell foam slit on one side to fit on pipes. (6ft long, different diameters) buy a section and slip it over that lip. Keep the underside of the slider waxed and it will slide easily.

When I'm away from the boat for a while, or working on it during the summer, I slip a piece of pipe insulation on the to of the drop boards to seal it up and keep wasps etc out.
Hate sliding it open and facing a swarm of angry hornets.


Ken.

 

[Ron20324]

Sailrite has a "weather stripping welt" on page 67 of their catalog. $.95 a foot. Item #578022 or 102629 Sailrite.com

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Thanks all. I won't have to worry about it for a while now. 40 MPH sustained winds last Saturday and the boat is still upright on her stands with the cover intact, I was glad to see! Stu, thanks for the vote of confidence ... I'm still waiting for the final vote from my better half!