hatches leacking water into the bilge

[saltshaker28]

I read in a post that someone put down rubber stripping under their hatch covers does anyone know what the rubber strips are and where to buy them and did you see a differance in water in the bildge

[Seaslug44]

That was me. It wasn't rubber stripping. I tried that and it did not work. The solution was to by an outdoor mat from www.matdepot.com. Make sure the mat is at least 6 inches larger than the hatch in each direction. It cured my leaking engine hatch 100%. Very satisfied. Very easy to clean, dries quickly and provides excellent footing for people as well as coolers.

[saltshaker28]

thanks for the info

[saltshaker28]

seaslug so the mat sticks out from the hatchches and do you have to remove them every time you use the boat

[joe.baar]

Seaslug, was that one of those "Waterhog" mats from matdepot, or one of the others they stock? Thanks.

[Mariner]

It sounds to me like they are floor mats that go ON TOP of the hatches. You would leave them in place as they provide padding and stability.

[Seaslug44]

Here is a copy of my original post with all of the details. Basically it's an outdoor carpet mat with a rubber backing like the kind you would find outside of a nice hotel to wipe your feet on before you enter the building. I never remove it except to open the engine hatch to check the fluid levels before each trip. It's resisted blood, oil & greast stains and it dries very quicky.

I think the single worst design problem in many Albins is the situation of the engine under the cockpit. No matter how hard you try you will always have leaks in the engine hatch that exposes the engine to water exposure. Salt water is extremely corosive. I blame my leaking engine hatch for the premature loss of starters, alternators, and most recently (and very expensive) my turbo.

I did find a very logical and economical solution- an all-weather ourdoor mat from http://www.matdepot.com. They sell several choices. I went with the Aqua Tread # EM30.

http://www.matdepot.com/products.cfm?ob ... 54&CATID=2

The engine hatch on my 32' SF is 48" by 60". I went with a custom-sized mat of 5' by 6' in the medium blue with a smooth back and rubber border that I plan to place over the engine hatch. These mats are heavy enough to remain in place and prevent most spray and rain water from finding its way under the engine hatch and into the engine room. They are easy to clean with a hose and soap water. I will report back to you once mine arrives to give you an update. I'm also thinking that this mat can possibly provide additional sound proofing benefits. I will let you know.

[joe.baar]

Thanks for reminding me about the detail in your previous post, Seaslug. After I make a template I'm thinking of special-ordering a matched pair to cover those darn chain-locker hatches up beside the windlass, that don't have gutters (scuppers?) either. I hate having the anchor rode wet all year - the first year it grew mushrooms - and I don't want to buy another 270' of BBB chain. Ahh, the great Pacific Northwest.