Fitting a new hatch

[Falling Star]

I've always used sealant before. This time I'm thinking that tape would be less messy and maybe better?

But which one? There seem to be several available........

 

[Concerto]

I used butyl rubber in roll form 2" wide. No leaks at all. Bought from ebay. Use black normally but just bought some white.

 

[coopec]

I used butyl rubber in roll form 2" wide. No leaks at all. Bought from ebay. Use black normally but just bought some white.

I have leaks in two of my hatches where I have used Sika 291. Everyone seems to speak highly of butyl rubber but I'm wondering why two inch wide?

 

[Falling Star]

I used butyl rubber in roll form 2" wide. No leaks at all. Bought from ebay. Use black normally but just bought some white.

What thickness did you use?

 

[Concerto]

I have leaks in two of my hatches where I have used Sika 291. Everyone seems to speak highly of butyl rubber but I'm wondering why two inch wide?

I find it very useful material and roll form is convenient. If you only need a small amount, just pull a bit off and shape as required i.e. a long sausage to wrap round a bolt before inserting into a hole. Butyl rubber does not stick to fingers and any excess can be cleaned off using a sharp knife to remove any excess and final clean up with white spirit. It is recommended to check any fitting the following day for tension and any butyl rubber that may have squeezed out.

 

[coopec]

I find it very useful material and roll form is convenient. If you only need a small amount, just pull a bit off and shape as required i.e. a long sausage to wrap round a bolt before inserting into a hole. Butyl rubber does not stick to fingers and any excess can be cleaned off using a sharp knife to remove any excess and final clean up with white spirit. It is recommended to check any fitting the following day for tension and any butyl rubber that may have squeezed out.

Do you think it does a better job on deck hatches in stopping leaks?

OK If I get 2 inch wide I can easily cut it with scissors if I want a one inch strip?

 

[Concerto]

What thickness did you use?

The rolls are about 1.5mm thick. For a hatch I would use one layer on the hatch and another on the deck opening to ensure a good layer of contact. Any excess will squeeze out.

When I had to remove a couple of windows to fit new headling in my forward cabin. After refitting the window and checking they were sealed, I later found a small leak. In removing the window I had distorted the aluminium frame slightly and this allowed a very small gap. All that was required was to force a little more butyl rubber along all the edge. This solved the problem and has not leaked for 9 months.

 

[Concerto]

Do you think it does a better job on deck hatches in stopping leaks?

OK If I get 2 inch wide I can easily cut it with scissors if I want a one inch strip?

All fittings on Concerto are now bedded on butyl rubber. This includes forward hatch, some windows, deck vents, stanchion bases, winches, instruments, and even new bolts for the hull anode.

You can cut butyl rubber using scissors, a knife or just pull off a bit. To stop it sticking to a knife or scissors, wipe with white spirit before you start.

 

[coopec]

The rolls are about 1.5mm thick. For a hatch I would use one layer on the hatch and another on the deck opening to ensure a good layer of contact. Any excess will squeeze out.

When I had to remove a couple of windows to fit new headling in my forward cabin. After refitting the window and checking they were sealed, I later found a small leak. In removing the window I had distorted the aluminium frame slightly and this allowed a very small gap. All that was required was to force a little more butyl rubber along all the edge. This solved the problem and has not leaked for 9 months.

That sounds good!

I've got a few small leaks when it rains

• a plastic deck vent
• my home made dorade boxes (maybe I'll have to extend the baffle
• some windows leak
• and a deck hatch leaks (I suspect the base is not absolutely square).

t

 

[peteK]

You can get it different thickness and width,I bought 18mm wide x 3mm thick for windows.

 

[TSB240]

It's also really useful if you get a blown exhaust manifold. I used a bandage of butyl tape and self amalgamating tape held on with a jubilee clip to get us home from Scotland last year.

 

[Falling Star]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll order some tape now.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I also used butyl tape, 12mm x 2mm from memory. Sealed well but I did find some dampness on a bunk cushion today - but I had left the hatch in the ventilation position and it had been raining hard the last few days - now fully closed so hopefully no more dampness.