Best foredeck hatches

[RPZ]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

The problem is not the hatch but the deck flexing.

In theory, a high flange hatch is stiffer and leaks less in a flexy deck.

But in practice ...

Anyways. A friend of ours with a similar problem added a teak pad under the hatch which helped somewhat to limit occasional (now) jets. Another one simply laminated the whole bloody hole over (on an Albin boat).

b.

Just my no-experience with sea hatches suggestion. But for hatch to deck sealing I would try GE (General Electric) Silicone Ii caulk. Comes in white, gray etc.

I have used it on the roof seams and rivet holes of my Airstream trailer, and to patch the rusting splitting roof of an old International Scout truck I had. In years of unrelenting Texas summer sun, heat, cold, pounding thunderstorms it just never gives up and remains somewhat pliable. I really don't think saltwater would affect it either.

[s/v Beth]

Hate to revive an old thread but does anyone have a lead on custom hatches for a Valiant 40? Looking to replace all of them.

[PDScott]

Have a look at Goiot Hatches. Have them on my 1982 CS and never a problem. Very high quality hatches in MHO Peter