[C320-list] Hatch Leak Question

[Allan S. Field]

Dennis - Before removing the hatch, try the KISS method first!  Get Armour
All for rubber/vinyl, clean the rubber gaskets thoroughly, then wait and see
if you still have leaks.  If not, do this twice per year and you should be
OK.  I had leaks the first 2 years, tried this, and have never had a leak
since.

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Harris
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 11:15 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Hatch Leak Question

On my 2000 C320 (#694), I have a small leak at the main cabin Lewmar 
centerline hatch that is below the boom (at forward corner only).  It leaks 
just a little only in extremely hard blowing rain or when hit with the hose 
pressure in washing the boat.  In normal rains, there is no evidence of a 
leak.

At this location, when the hatch is removed, what will I find?  From inside 
out, I assume it will be something like this:  inside liner, a void between 
the liner and fiberglass cabin top, lower portion of fiberglass top, 
possibly some sort of filler (wood, foam, no filler at all, just solid 
fiberglass), and top outer portion of cabin top fiberglass.  That's my 
guess, but for those of you who have removed the hatch for some reason, what

is really there?

If wood or foam or other filler between layers of fiberglass is there, did 
you do anything to it before reinstalling the hatch.

Is this a place suited to use the Bomar tape type adheasive?

In removing the hatch to reseal it, how did you break the hatch away from 
the current sealant?

Thanks,

Dennis Harris C320 #694