Repair & maintenance: Hatch leak

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Hatch leak

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11852
Printed Date: 26 Sep 23 at 3:23pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Hatch leak

Posted By: Wobble
Subject: Hatch leak
Date Posted: 10 Jan 15 at 5:38pm

I have a leaky hatch on my Flying Fifteen. I got a new rubber seal (Allen) and in my innocence thought that simply popping that on would fix it, but it is still letting a good deal of water into the side tank.

I've noticed that the old seal was originally stuck in place with a white compound, and I think that the uneven surface where the old rubber had to be torn away might be the cause of the problem. So I'm going to scrape out the old gunk and apply a new sealant. This isn't a big job: it's just that its trial-and-error nature and having to wait for things to dry out in between is a bit of a pain in the ass.

The old sealant is white, but I don't know if it's just builders silicon or something more high performance for marine purposes. Any suggestions very welcome!

Replies:

Posted By: scotsfinn
Date Posted: 10 Jan 15 at 5:57pm

Seriously - buy a new hatch - the are not that expensive

http://www.marathonleisure.co.uk/product.php?xProd=228152

just get the right size and it should fit straight in with some sealant around the underside of the outer ring and some s/s screws

-------------
Largs Sailing Club. D-Zero GBR 57, B14 744
www.blueseaconsultingllp.com

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 10 Jan 15 at 6:35pm

I know its obvious, but check the fastenings very carefully. I've seen RS boats where some of the alloy rivets holding on the hatch had rotted, and so hatch seal and all was just lifting clear of the hull. I've never really bothered to seal the rubber seals (!) but you could try some vaseline or something as an experiment to see if it helps.

Posted By: Wobble
Date Posted: 10 Jan 15 at 6:50pm

No particular objection to buying a new hatch, but the one that's on it looks fine.

Posted By: Wobble
Date Posted: 10 Jan 15 at 6:53pm

Originally posted by JimC

I know its obvious, but check the fastenings very carefully. I've seen RS boats where some of the alloy rivets holding on the hatch had rotted, and so hatch seal and all was just lifting clear of the hull. I've never really bothered to seal the rubber seals (!) but you could try some vaseline or something as an experiment to see if it helps.

I think the hatch is pretty fast (with self-tappers) but worth taking a closer look.

I agree that it seems odd to have sealant on seals, but the sealant was put on by the original builder (Ovington) or else by the previous owner, who also knew his stuff.

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 10 Jan 15 at 7:52pm

Originally posted by Wobble

but the sealant was put on by the original builder (Ovington) or else by the previous owner, who also knew his stuff.

I known seals glued on not for waterproofing, but to ensure they stay there...

Posted By: Wobble
Date Posted: 21 Jan 15 at 6:31pm

Thanks for the tips guys. Will take it all off, I think, and try sealing again.

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 21 Jan 15 at 6:57pm

Of course the other possibility is that its not getting in through the hatch but somewhere else...

Posted By: Wobble
Date Posted: 24 Jan 15 at 12:33pm

I'm pretty confident it's the hatch. I took off the original seal when there was a small intake, due to its age. Putting on the new seal, without addressing the join, means it's taking in more!