Leaking Trunk Cabin Hatch

[Capt. Rick]

Have a 24" Bomar hatch on my trunk cabin roof. Roof has a defininte crown to it. Looks like the boat builder screwed down the frame tight to the roof -
the mother leaks when it rains. Tired of putting towels on the floor.
Anyway to fix this? Someone on here mentioned installing a "boss" under the hatch frame which would be sculpted to fit the curvature of the roof on the bottom with the top nice and flat. Seems like this would be the best bet. Any have any experience with this, how did/do you do it, what material to use to make the boss? Tried caulking and adding a gasket no good still leaking. Thanks guys.

 

[F/V First Team]

Why not just pop it off and build up the area where it goes to be in an even plane? Just some gelcoat and cabosil mixed up and applied. Toss down some rule 300 sealant and put your screws back in. Easy peasy.

 

[Capt. Rick]

How to get to level? Make a dam out of something? Ideas?

 

[Downeaster]

How to get to level? Make a dam out of something? Ideas?

Use the hatch frame itself. Thoroughly wax the frame surfaces that will be in contact with the material that you decide to use. Once cured, remove the frame and then properly bed it in Sikaflex or similar. Done right, there shouldn't be any sanding needed or damage to an exposed surface. It isn't quite this simple nor is it much more difficult either (it just takes some time the previous installer didn't want to put into it).

 

[F/V First Team]

Some clear packing tape would work too instead of wax, just toss a couple of layers up there and that will make enough of a separation as well as a partial void for any sealant. Be sure to abrade the surface of where you want your shelf to stick unless you want that removable too... Tape out the area and use a razor blade to cut down to your substrate, abrade and do it to it, use a putty knife or a plastic squeegee (or your finger if you're really good) to fill and radius the support. After it cures smooth it up, make it shine if you want and peel the tape off. Now reinstall your hatch and enjoy.