leak free...almost

[QuickMick]

after rebedding all ports and topside repairs i am leak free...almost.
we got hammered yesterday by a southerly storm which was wailing against my companionway, and i noticed that there is a tiny space where the the top slat, topside sliding hatch and hull meet. there is one on each side, just enough to allow a little water in to slide down the sliding hatch and begin to drip. is there anything i can do about this? under 95% of conditions this isnt a factor, but i just dont like any water in my boat unless its a wee bit with some scotch and ice in my glass.

thanks
Q

[merc2dogs]

Split foam pipe insulation, during storms or prolonged storage when you don't expect to be near the boat, place it over the drop board and slide the hatch closed, it's compressible enough that it will collapse and seal the gap.

I use it to keep water and bugs out on my project boats.

Also works as gaskets for cockpit seating hatches etc, install it around the inner lip and the seat compresses it to seal the space.

Low cost, long lasting, and easily replaced when needed.

Ken.

[SVCarolena]

We made a Sunbrella cover for our companion way. It is held in place with snaps along the hatch drop board sliders. It has kept all water out from between our drop boards and has the added benefit of protecting the teak. When there is just a light shower, we put it in place and don't even use the drop boards. The cover extends from he forward end of the slider and down over the drop boards. If you look online for companionway screens, it is of a similar design. We marked the material on the boat and it took maybe two hours to sew and install the snaps.