[C320-list] Emergency Tiller Hatch/port

[Doug Treff]

Dave, 

Are you sure the port itself is leaking, or could it be the sealant that was used to bed the outer ring?

As for a screw-in type of port, be cautious using one of those. I have seen those get so tight that they are nearly impossible to open, even with a tool. In an emergency where you've lost steerageway, every second of delay in getting that port open could be critical.

--
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On Sun, Jul 16, 2023, at 2:32 PM, Dave Hupe via C320-list wrote:
> I replaced my hatch several years ago to eliminate leakage of rain 
> water/pooling onto my steering quadrant. It worked for a while but now 
> is leaking pretty heavily again. I used 
> this https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-270/hull-deck/cockpit/inspection-port-8-38quot-od/
> I never thought the stock twist lock cover was a very good design 
> considering I stand on it most of the time I am actively sailing. Also, 
> the action of sealing just isn’t very tight. 
>
> I have cleaned the rubber seal and cover lip and applied a thin grease 
> several times to try to create a slightly better temporary seal as was 
> recommended by others. But this isn't helping any longer.
> Has anyone replaced this with a different hatch (say a screw in type 
> cover that might seal better)?
> Dave Hupe 
> 1994 C320 #32