Wondering what people are using to seal their hatches to the cabin on the bow on a boat like my 24 offshore. I've tried to replace the seal but still getting some water in with heavier rain or sea water.
24 Offshore Front Hatch Leak/Seal?
- Thread starter GJSTAR
- Start date
Express 360 Finally
GreatGrady Captain
Had a persistent leak with my cabin hatch where water was coming around window seal. No matter what I did, the leak returned. The seal was crimped in one spot and the caulk around the window had shrunk.
Was able to solve the problem by purchasing a new BOMAR low profile seal from west marine.
Removed the top half of the hatch at the hinge.
Cut the caulk and pulled out the window from the frame. (cover the opening with a sheet of plywood with a weight on top to keep out the critters)
Cleaned the frame and glass of all the old butyl tape and black glazing caulk using a plastic scraper, rags and acetone.
Re-seated the window with double butyl tape to hold the glass to the frame, taped the caulk lines and sealed with GE black silicone glazing caulk.
Let the caulk cure overnight and reinstall.
The leak is gone.
Was able to solve the problem by purchasing a new BOMAR low profile seal from west marine.
Removed the top half of the hatch at the hinge.
Cut the caulk and pulled out the window from the frame. (cover the opening with a sheet of plywood with a weight on top to keep out the critters)
Cleaned the frame and glass of all the old butyl tape and black glazing caulk using a plastic scraper, rags and acetone.
Re-seated the window with double butyl tape to hold the glass to the frame, taped the caulk lines and sealed with GE black silicone glazing caulk.
Let the caulk cure overnight and reinstall.
The leak is gone.
Last edited:
Being an older boat, the setup isn't as good as it should be. Best thing is to just try different styles of seals that stay more flexible and don't flatten out.