Leaking Hatch

4 posts / 0 new
Last post
pierview
Offline
Joined: 9/27/09
Posts: 606
Leaking Hatch

I've been getting leaks (as seen by dark drip marks) from the hatch in the head and the hatch just outside the head.

A couple of years ago I pulled the hatches and resealed them. This spring I ran a bead of sealer around the outside edge of each hatch and I taped off the upper edge of the mast boot ( I have a keel stepped mast as I believe we all do but, just in case..).

I can't figure out where this leak is coming from. All the other possible hatches or entries into the hull are below these hatches; it's hard to believe water is going to run up-hill from another port or window.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Chuck Parker

Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ

pkeyser's picture
pkeyser
Offline
Joined: 5/18/13
Posts: 690

Do the lenses need rebedding?

Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B

pierview
Offline
Joined: 9/27/09
Posts: 606

The leaks definitely come from under the plastic trim on the inside. I don't see how water could get under the glass and thru the aluminum frame, plus the drip marks are a dark brown color suggesting to me that somehow the water is in contact with the decking.

I suppose one option to test your suggestion would be to wrap the hatch covers in a piece of plastic the next time it rains and lock them down in place. If I still got leaks, then it wouldn't be the glass.

Thanks for the thought.. 

Chuck Parker

Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Brazen
Offline
Joined: 4/6/23
Posts: 55

Some sealants dry up and shrink, when you pulled the hatches it may not have been a forever repair. Removing the entire hatch, clean the surfaces and sealing with butyl tape probably will stop the leak if it is coming from behind the trim ring. It is an easy job, once done shower a hose over the hatch, if there is still a leak it is in the gasket or locking mechanism.  
Butyl is good for any deck penetrations such as hatches, cleats, chain plates etc.
https://marinehowto.com/bed-it-tape/

Denis
Brazen Article #1925
2001 Catalina 36 MKII

Log in or register to post comments