Overhead
Hatch Seal Replacement
And
For
Atkins and Hoyle Products
(By Tom Assenmacher,
We’ve
recently (May and June 2008) performed a few needed maintenance projects on our
1975 MK-II Yawl SHEARWATER - namely replacing the gaskets on both of the
overhead Atkins and Hoyle hatches, and replacing the gaskets on the 6 Atkins
and Hoyle opening ports.
Overhead Hatch Seal Replacement
The proper
gasket material (.5" round neoprene 'cord'), for the overhead hatches is available
from Clean Seal at http://www.cleanseal.com/cordstock.htm
- it's the solid 'cord' #6500. It takes about 80" of the 'cord' to do
one hatch (we still have some of the material available if you want to reseal
your hatches).
Old Gasket
Removed From Hatch – Ensure That The Gasket Groove Is Clean!!
(Or You Won’t Get A Good Seal)
This Is What
The New Gasket Material Looks Like
Prefit The New Gasket Material Before Cutting – Allow A Bit
Extra!
Apply A Thin
Bead of Silicone (Not Too Much, but Not Too Little!)
Use a Good
Grade of Silicone Caulk
After
‘gluing’ the new gasket into the hatch groove, clean any excess silicone from
the gasket and the hatch frame. Also,
it’s advisable to have the gasket ‘joint’ at the ‘hinge’ end of the hatch. Place a small amount of silicone on both ends
of the ‘joint’ which will glue the 2 ends of the gasket together. IMMEDIATELY install the hatch on the boat,
and tighten the hatch ‘dogs’ (closures) and allow the silicone to set overnight
to ensure a good seal.
The material
for the Atkins and Hoyle opening ports is available from McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) and is Item # 90125K51
(Commercial-Strength Neoprene Extra-Long Strip 3/8" X 1/4", Black)
and is available by the foot. It takes
approximately 36” of gasket material to do one port.
Old Seal Removed
Clean Out All Old Sealant, Corrosion And
Dirt And Wipe Down With Solvent!
Ensure That The Gasket Groove Is Clean!!
This Is The New
Gasket Material
Pre-Fit New Gasket Material And Apply A
THIN Bead Of Silicone.
Note The Gasket Joint Is At The Top Of The Port (I.E., The Hinge End) To
Prevent Leaks!
The
Completed Gasket Replacement.
After
‘gluing’ the new gasket into the port groove, clean any excess silicone from
the gasket and the port frame. Also,
it’s advisable to have the gasket ‘joint’ at the ‘hinge’ end (or upper part) of
the port. Place a small amount of
silicone on both ends of the ‘joint’ which will glue the 2 ends of the gasket
together. IMMEDIATELY install the port
on the boat, and tighten the port ‘dogs’ (closures) and allow the silicone to
set overnight to ensure a good seal.
We’ve had some terrific rainstorms this
spring, and the ports and hatches haven’t leaked a drop (so far)!!