repairing bow hatch

[jif102]

Last season I notice I was getting a wet spot in my cuddy cabin. It was right under the corner of my hatch so I figured that is where it is coming from. I just got the hatch pulled from the boat. I want to reseal it to the bow. Can I use just plain silicon caulking or should I get something different? After the pain it was to get the hatch out I don't want to play with it again after I get it sealed.

Thanks

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: repairing bow hatch

Well since the wet spot was under your hatch and not hers, I guess you have some caulking to do. Don't use silicone, you could easily end up with a big mess, there are other marine caulking substitutes that would be so much better. You can this stuff at the RV dealers that comes in a roll 3/4" wide caulking tape, you just lay it on and screw your hatch down, then you can tip it off with a bead of caulk to make it look nice.

 

[jonesg]

Re: repairing bow hatch

If its a cored hatch it might need recoring, walking on them doesn't help.
If its in good shape then redo the seal, re-bed the hatch.
Re-do as in completely remove the old seal/sealant.
Heres a good article by a marine surveyor, hatches are treated the same as windows.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/WindowRepair.htm

Quote, "Deck Hatches Usually leak because the deck flexes somewhat, breaking the caulking seal. The remedy for this - as long as the deck doesn't flex too much - is the same as for the window glass described above. Again, the trick is to make the bedding layer thick enough so that it can be torqued down like a gasket. Pulling that hatch frame down tight was what created the problem in the first place, so once again use shims on the preliminary reinstallation. Then go back and retorque after the bedding cures."