Hatch Seal

[ggooch]

I am going to put new seals on my companionway hatch, the slider and the poptop as well as the front hatch. I have seen people suggest using pipe insulation sliced in half to do this. I take it they are using relatively small diameters to make this work? Does anyone have suggestions on this?

Thanks,
Geoff

[rwmiller56]

I'm interested in the response to this, as well, because my forward hatch is leaking and the seal needs replacement.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Geoff,
I've had great success with the following procedure for a companion-way seal. I purchased the 2" X 2" window A/C foam which is approx 36" long, from Wal Mart. I then split this, which will form Two lengths which are 1" X 2" X 36" long. I use only one, and keep the other as a spare. This has worked real well.
When locking up my "X" in the Marina, I slide this into the gap, with each end thru the two upper corner openings. I've had no "rain ins", and its not only inexpensive, it works.

Louis

[c130king]

I'm interested in the response to this, as well, because my forward hatch is leaking and the seal needs replacement.

What "seal" are we talking about here? I don't think I have any seals on my companionway door or the sliding hatch. There is a "gap" when the door is in and the hatch is closed but when I put the boat away I use an old towell folded over a few times and laid over the top of the door...then pull the hatch to it and up over it.

cheers,
Jim

[ggooch]

There appears to be some remnant of a seal on my hatch door. Basically I would like to be able to make sure everything stays nice and dry no matter what. I think the hatch door is going to be pretty easy since there is enough play there to easily get some seals of some sort in. Not so sure about the sliding piece, could be a little more difficult. Then my biggest concern is using something on the front hatch and poptop that will act as a seal but still be thin enough to not interfere with solidly closing either of them.

Geoff