How To Seal A Boat Deck Hatch

Here we go through the process and materials needed to reseal / rebed a leaky deck hatch on your boat!
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[@phongdo8070]

Honestly one of the best DIY-marine content on the Internet.

[@boatworkstoday]

Thank you!

[@JuhaEerikki]

+Phong Do I agree, and have sent links to friends. :)

[@boatworkstoday]

+JuhaEerikki Very much appreciated! Thank you :-)

[@markjennings2315]

Apart from the music lol

[@seanlathbury5410]

Hey Andy, great content. Very much appreciated. I was curious why you didn't use butyl tape. Is this not a good application for that?

[@FernandaFoertter]

Was wondering the same.

[@jinksto]

A couple of months after watching this video we discovered a bad leak on our v-berth hatch. I rewatched the video and rebedded/resealed the hatch and glass in an afternoon. It looks great and doesn't leak. Thanks for sharing your skills. You're saving the world from duct tape... :)

[@chipchipchip7]

As always - good presentation and good information - I would like to see the materials used if possible..? thanks much!

[@michaelgerst1395]

Your helper did a good job :) I like the hints for caulk, but still a fan of butyl tape myself as long as you can get enough torque to seal it tight.

[@johnbrookes2196]

This stuff can get boring but you somehow make it look so easy even fun. Well done

[@boatworkstoday]

+John Brookes Thanks John!!

[@TheNachotime]

To be honest, i don't even know how there could be a single thumbs down for this video. Wonderful content. Super helpful.

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

TheNachotime I'm guessing it might be because of the plinky-plonky ukelele music which seems so popular with yachties and their related channels.

[@ZacHiggins]

Great video Andy! I love all your hints, tips and tricks. Obviously useful for boat work, but many of the techniques you share could be used in so many different applications too. Keep up the good work!!

[@greghawkins549]

I am curious Andy... why did you select silicon over butyl tape for this application?

[@michelevivas7199]

Thank you and hope I laugh as much as I did watching the video as when I try the job.

[@no8do]

good stuff...you are my boating best friend that i never found....lol

[@mckenziekeith7434]

What was that you used to bed the hatch frame to the deck? 3M 4000?

[@LisaLehne]

New boat owner to an old Carver. For the most part it is in GREAT shape, but one hatch leaks. THANK YOU!!! I feel I can tackle our leak and stop water from dripping on my face :D without taking another loan for the boat ;)

[@dajo4349]

Seems like the boats I get have crazed hatch panels and often crazed windows. Do you have any sources for buying the window material, buying panels precut to fit various hatch frames or having them cut to fit? Thanks. Good videos.

[@VincentTellierLife]

At 03:40 I’m surprised you didn’t have excess seal on the inside. I was expecting to put some tape inside as well! Very nice video that helps me much! Thank you sir

[@okcpicker]

Hands down, the best boating DIY videos out there. Thanks for your detailed demonstrations.

[@gregorys6838]

I found, wetting your finger allows it to slide along much nicer along the caulking as you smooth it out. It also seemed to make far easier to create the tiny valley in the caulking around the entire frame. Wiping off excess of course.

[@michaelmixon2479]

You obviously have a lot of patience. Good job!

[@johnlcallaway]

This was very helpful. We just bought a boat in need of a little TLC, and I need to rebed a fixed hatch (wait .. then it's not a hatch .. right??) Anyway. I appreciate the great tips you shared. I'm glad I didn't do it last weekend like I was supposed to!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Great job buddy I love these videos. Cheers

[@sea4see]

water and soap in your finger make a batter looking and result! Try it

[@aljohnson8473]

How long did you wait before the tape was pulled of ?

[@en8581]

That is exactly my question as well.

[@johanfredrikschmedling3972]

Duct tape glue.. Try WD40. Works fine as long as the glue haven't dried.

[@johncarpenter1476]

How do you remove a similar hatch for resealing that has been 5200 in without destroying gel-coat? Damm manufacturers install stuff as if there never meant to be removed!

[@VinhNguyen-yi1kk]

Thumbs up for your reaction to the paper towels sticking to your fingers. 😂 I can imagine how you feel. Thanks for a great how-to!

[@EricJohnson-ck2ty]

Very informative and helpful video. I noticed you also had the side windows pulled from that boat. I have an older Searay with those same side windows, which I'd like to take care of as well. Did you happen to do a video on how you did the side windows?

[@wilsnich02]

I always love your content and choice of jobs........

[@IslanderSailboatInfo]

Another great video. Nice tunes too! Helper did a good job :)

[@richarddanchuk3248]

very nice job, thanks for sharing.

[@BrianWerner]

Love your videos. Very informative.

[@boatworkstoday]

Thanks Brian!

[@andrewevans355]

Is this method of repair in place of replacing the rubber gasket on the hatch?

[@Rick_Schott]

Couldn't have done this job without this video. I didn't have duct tape, but lots of unauthorized clear silicone from the previous owner. Scrape scrape scrape, scrub scrub scrub.

[@alangabbitas4512]

Richard Schott pl

[@dominiciadicicco8935]

Always learn so much from Andy.

[@travissweepint5757]

This is by far one of the best VID I have seen so far.

[@diegosboattube6262]

Great job...i'm about to do the same in my boat Just i want use the Bostik ms pro seal whitch seems to me very good as i used on other seal Jobs. Do you line anything about it? Also i have question: when you place glass on frame the exess patty that came out on the bottom has to be clean? Haven't seen you cleaning! Keep going like that mate. Thanks from Sardinia

[@mamasthree2649]

What material did you use at each step?

[@forrestallison1879]

Does anyone have the DXFs for these laser cuts? I have the same hatches

[@brandonburek651]

Very nice and informative video. Ty👍

[@FirstMateEmily]

this was a lot of help for us! We have a 320 and are fixing it up ourselves ;-) first step? leaky hatches hahaha

[@alexanderbogardi545]

Thanks for your video. I realized I have part of this job ahead of me. Luckily, only the compound around the lid, the lid itself is good (according to my experiments)

[@jefffaircloth182]

What two sealants did you use for the hatch?

[@PawlSpring]

A suggestion: Cover the ENTIRE Lexan glass with plastic when putting down the tape around the edges. It makes cleanup easier should a bit of caulk fall off the tape when removing (or if the tape brushes against the glass accidentally on removal).

[@jessejamison3994]

Is that 4200 used on the hatches to deck? Tganks

[@jamestaggert8618]

I noticed you did not replace the rubber seal/gasket, if you had what would you have used? where would you have purchased it?

[@JuhaEerikki]

Hi Champ and thanks for a new video! :) I need to redo my leaking portholes and fixed deck windows on my Beneteau Oceanis 430. I wanted to ask about the VHB tape or equivalent for mounting polycarbonate port windows, re your older video. Im currently in Malaysia and the 3M VHB tape is not available here. Can you think of any alternative to the 3m VHB tape? "Scotch 3M Exterior Mounting Tape Super Strong"? "Kips DIY Grey Shear Strength Double Sided Acrylic Foam Tape"? The only function of the VHB tape is adhesion, right? Nothing to do with sealing and watertightness? Cheers

[@Mr.Potato420]

anyone trying this now Pro tip! when smoothing out the silicone use some iso and stuff glides a lot easier

[@crisdraaisma5680]

Hi, I have screwed on 6mm plexiglass windows on my sailboat that will be replaced. Would it be possible to only use vhb tape and Sikaflex instead of screws? Love your shows. Thanks Cris

[@lucasspaniard8430]

Great video, but you did not show or mention the gasket? I am doing some old lewmars, and I am going to go through the same process, but install the gasket before the 1st corning layer of corning 795.

[@billgroves2143]

It appears you used DOW 795 to seal plexiglass. What did you use to seal frame to boat? Can use DOW 795 to seal frame?

[@chrisadams5180]

Please identify the materials you used. I saw Dow Corning Black Sealant and 3m 4000 adhesive white

[@stevebouska5980]

Dow 795 and 3M 4000

[@edsarkisian4434]

Absolutely excellent explanation AND well planned display of the process thank you very very much

[@brookemcintyrenc]

Great video.. what caulk do I use around the outside base of my console...on my 26 Regulator. Thanks

[@ferhomme96]

Nice video thanks. I should have watched it before I screwed up my first hatch rebuild. Silicone everywhere. Lens not pushed down far enough and not contacting the frame. Anyway my second, and last, hatch will be done using your great instructions. A question about removing the yellow tape. When do you do it? after its dry/cured or immediately after its finger wiped?

[@Trump985]

I don’t know why anyone would install these plastic deck hatches. They are so weak if you step on it you will crash through, can you imagine what will happen in rough weather when tons of water is washing over the deck? The only deck hatches that have any business on a boat are the heavy aluminum or steel ones made by Bomar Freeman and others. On an inspected vessel the CG would never allow anything like these things. I’m shocked an insurance survivor would allow these things on any boat, they might be useful in a gallows for hanging people!

[@j.d.3875]

Did I miss it, what silicone did you use

[@svstellamaris6130]

Thank You 🙏

[@reebookerjpon4338]

Teach her and make her work for you CHILD LABOR FORCE!!!!

[@socialwebwiki]

make sure you export with deinterlacing.... otherwise you will have these lines on moving pictures.

[@brianandsonshobbies9317]

As always, thanks for sharing your skills and tips! I've been avoiding doing this largely because I wasn't sure of the right sealant to use. DOW 795 looks like a good choice!

[@meatdog]

Andy, can you do a video on resealing the port lights and preserving the seals. I can't find the rubber gaskets that seal my windows and they leak like crazy. Thanks so much.

[@snakeplisken4278]

Hello. Very interesting. My hatches are different, so looking for the best way to get them not to leak. I have a Catalac 8M catamaran. The hatches are more like a shallow box lid (hatch top) that just closes over the bottom which is standing up an inch or so. The problem is that I can't find the right kind of hatch foam/seal to build up enough material to seal water tight. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[@GarretKrampe]

sikaflex 295 UV .. silicone doesn't work too good

[@marccohen5579]

Try 3M hard rubber squeegee with medium pressure. You will get the Dow 795 to drop down a hair below the frame and acrylic. It will look so much smoother than your finger.

[@pastrami00]

Dude, thank you for taking the time to make this video. This was such a big help...

[@zatrogamer]

How did you tape around the hatch frame on the boat? Do you just do it very carefully? Or, is there a trick to it? I'm interested to see how you did that. I'm worried about scratching my gelcoat with razor.

[@timkraus8003]

Can you use the DOW 795 on GLASS (not poly) for a windshield? Recommended?

[@justin9268]

Is that that black roof tar in a caulk gun. That stuff shrinks in the sun light or heat. I'd put a thin layer of white caulk on top

[@fatroberto3012]

It's Dow Corning 795. It's black and that's about the only similarity!

[@fawqman2764]

Thanks for the informative videos. Much appreciated… Keep up the good work

[@Brik-in-the-sticks]

You used 2 different silicones, a black (commercial?) Between the glass and aluminium frame, what was the white one?

[@paulflynn2481]

try using windex. the original version. Apply bead of silicone. Spray with windex. Wipe of or tool excess. The windex will repel the ooze and leave the silicone nice and shiney. We use it on stone and aluminum and it really makes you like a superstar

[@cesanyplastics713]

Great video!. Not sure if this is allowed here but we can make any replacement hatch lens one would need. Cesany Plastics, Inc. Cheers.

[@sandervandervoor9238]

Thanks for the clear explanation. I have to do two leaking hatches of the sailboat we recently bought, and now know how to do it. Regards Sander van der Voort from the Netherlands.

[@enriquelaroche5370]

What was the silicon used the white stuff?, the 795 I got for the glazing.

[@andrewballantine]

I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. I am curious; do you ever go boating yourself?

[@boatworkstoday]

Unfortunately not enough :-/

[@BuenaVistaMar]

Great!!!

[@SalingSamantas]

Just one question, I'm sure you have a very good reason that I am not aware of. Why not use butyl tape to bed hatches?

[@stevefeller4266]

Andy, I saw in this video that you pulled the side windows as well. I have a similar boat with leaking side windows. Do you have a video of these windows being rebuilt?

[@maurol.3731]

Hi, it's a pleasure to have discovered you ... I see very good craftsmanship and skill, with simple and practical explanations. I have been doing maintenance on my boats for a long time but following you I am sure to learn a lot more. Thanks, good boy!

[@svcatcher9865]

That is so awesome!! Loved your video and your techniques!! We have ALL the hatches on our boat to reseal...and we finally found the handles online for Goiot Hatches. What a really big pain!! Thank YOU!!

[@CrankyCronos]

I love your videos and they have helped me out. I watched this one to help me re-bed my hatches. Sadly, when I pulled 1, I discovered that the opening was cut by a drunken sailor and in some places a full quarter in. from the framing of the hatch. A couple of the screws were screwed essentially into silicon and nothing else. How would you recommend extending that edging so I have some meat to scew into.

[@matt4sail]

When you bedded the acrylic in the frame you mentioned getting enough Dow so it filled the channel. I assume some oozed out over the edge (I know it will when i do it). How did you clean up that edge which will show inside the boat? Love your channel!

[@MrSonnymick]

Excellent video! is the bed sealant (White) a polysulfide? Also, do most hatches have the type where you seal both under and above the plexiglass?

[@fredbrillo1849]

Before laying down the inner bead of sealant in the frame, did you tape it off so that when the glass was laid in, and the sealant was squeezed out, it wouldn't make a huge mess?

[@svlonestar7645]

I have the same pair of Overalls, Why not use Buytl on exterior aluminum?

[@svdellajean253]

Great video, glad I found your website. Did you put the handles/locks on inside out so you could handle the acrylic easier when installing into the 795? Does that give you more control?

[@paulsevcik8878]

have you have used butle live rubber what we use on campers sealing . never leaks and it always stays alive even in cold cilments down side it can leave the black streaking.

[@captainhawhaw8732]

Absolutely great description on how to carry out this work, one think was it Sika black you used to place glass in frame, what was the white to attach the window to deck. thanks

[@tonypedraja7111]

I'm sure you mentioned it but I missed it. What sealant(s) are you using here?

[@Living_Lodka]

could you use 4200 in place of the 4000uv ? I will be doing this on my 88 300 weekender this season. Thank you for all these great videos Andy!!

[@boatworkstoday]

+Alexsay Karpowitsch Absolutely! 4200 just has a stronger bond which isn't really necessary, but yes it will work for bedding the frame to the deck ;-)

[@clementlambert8913]

Very nice clean method ! Thank you very much for all these tips !

[@maxdeiure9609]

Great video, one question what product did you used?

[@arthurgarcia6336]

great videos very informative. I have a classic mako and it's has become a driveway ornament with your videos I'm confident I'll get it back to its former glory thank you

[@terryrayl502]

Excellent!!

[@richardzastrow6354]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing

[@georgebetar923]

Video still holds up. Your daughter is a future star...

[@HelderNevesHelderNeves]

What if the handles to lock it are leaking? Can they be replaced or at this point is better hetting a new hatch?

[@leighmaddison1225]

What sealant do you use for the acrylic and the frame.

[@gregpalmer9949]

This taught me a better technique for how to remove the excess sealant.

[@martinparker9249]

1:52 old masking tape is pretty bad too , great vid mate !

[@AndreasEUR]

Does it have to be removed from the boat to re-bed the glass only?