I 28 companionway hatch doesn't drain well enough

TundraDown · #1 09-14-2008

I rebuilt a 1977 I-28 this season. I started by installing a garboard plug and worked my way to the top of the mast. A rebuilt A-4 from Moyer was a nice change. We only got to sail a couple of times but were impressed with this responsive boat. I have noticed leaking at the forward corners of the companionway hatch during heavy downpours. Has anyone else experienced this? I may re-build the outboard sides of the guide channels. I may cut away some material between the fasteners holding the teak trim piece on. Given the "tenderness" of the boat a bow down load might encourage this leakage. The sliding hatch should be fine with more of the outboard channel removed.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

TD

Skipaway · #2 05-16-2009

Hope you have resolved the hatch drain problem by now.

I too had a similar hatch leak problem. Went through a bunch of negative thoughts about how to fix it. But today I realiezd that some of the holes I taped over to prevent leaks over the winter - water poured out when I took the tape off - might relate to this. There is one on each side.

downeast450 · #3 06-05-2009

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for your remarks. What I have seen on the Islander28.com web site in a couple of photographs of the companionway is that some owners have had a canvass cover made that just covers the companionway. I suspect we are not alone in discovering this problem.

We had not intended to keep this boat but have now decided to enjoy it for a couple more years. I am teaching my wife to sail and the I-28, with its hank on head sail and its responsive performance has proven an ideal boat for her to experience how sail trimming effects performance.

Now that we have decided to hang on to it for a while I will modify the hatch supports and buy a dodger.

We launched it two weeks ago and are hoping to go for a cruise along the Maine coast later this month.

Racing is next! Ha! Have a great season.

George