Hatch - fix/replace?

[SiteSurfer]

Hi folks.

Over the weekend the hatch in the image below started leaking rather badly (more than its normal minor drip), all I can assume is that the wind was in the wrong direction (or something), however I'm a little uncertain whether its possible to a) fix the seals or b) have to replace it.

The leak appears to be via the edges of the perspex rather than the surround, I have not investigated fully yet whether I can take it apart and re-seat and was rather hoping that someone might have had a similar issue that could point me in the right direction before I remove the whole thing from the boat - an en-situ repair being the favourite.

I'm guessing the hatch is circa 30+ years old - so possibly well within operating time span for it's life, I would however also guess that its probably a size that's not terribly popular these days.

Ideas?

The hatch:
hatch by Owen Lees, on Flickr

 

[SiteSurfer]

So.. wish I'd googled a bit deeper - turns out its a Houdini Hatch and there's loads of advice on here...

 

[ex-Gladys]

Au contraire to what has been said here in other threads, I bought a Gebo "drop in" Houdini replacement from Seateach, and it's superb... and it dropped in... Just check yours is a 500mmx500mm... The better design also stops water sitting on the hatch running inside the boat as you open it...

 

[SiteSurfer]

I'll measure next time I'm over there, SeaTeach is only a couple miles away too - so useful to take the hatch out and compare on site.

 

[SiteSurfer]

Just out of curiosity, I note a lot of boats have the hatch opening the other way around (in 'scoop' mode) - does this affect the weaher tightness? It seems like a very logical thing to do for summer.

 

[Tranona]

Just out of curiosity, I note a lot of boats have the hatch opening the other way around (in 'scoop' mode) - does this affect the weaher tightness? It seems like a very logical thing to do for summer.

There is no agreement as to the "right" way - which is why you see both. There are arguments for and against either, but it should not affect weathertightness - at least leaks like yours.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Just out of curiosity, I note a lot of boats have the hatch opening the other way around (in 'scoop' mode) - does this affect the weaher tightness? It seems like a very logical thing to do for summer.

I did that very thing when I replaced Gladys Houdini...we have a large open back wheel house (think plywood sprayhood on steroids) and in marinas in the summer it was very oppressive, so the new one went in "backwards" with much improved ventilation

 

[[3889]]

Houdini hatches are dreadful. I replaced mine on a Hunter 27 with a Lewmar hinged aft and was 100% watertight. Not a simple 'drop in' but well worth the cost and effort.

 

[coopec]

Many years ago I bought two Houdini hatches because they were cheap. Then I found they were renowned for leaking because the rubber seals are open to the weather UV light etc. I bought better hatches and they fitted perfectly.

I'm going to use the two Houdinis in a solid dodger that I have yet to make up and I think they will be ideal there as it won't matter if they leak a little.

My better quality hatches leaked a little until I smeared vaseline on the rubber seals. It stopped the leaks but I'm not completely sure why: did the lubrication allowed the rubber seals to move slightly and provide a better seal? I'd certainly try that with your Houdini hatches and I'd also consider getting a light PVC strip and gluing around the perimeter of the hatch. (If it was the right size it would protect the rubber seal)

Finally I wouldn't mount the hatches flush with the deck: I would raise them at least 6 mm so that water can't be blown across the deck and under the seals. Your seals would be working overtime trying to keep water out.

Clive

 

[Tranona]

Finally I wouldn't mount the hatches flush with the deck: I would raise them at least 6 mm so that water can't be blown across the deck and under the seals. Your seals would be working overtime trying to keep water out.

Clive

That is an interesting observation as the latest hatches are designed specifically to be mounted flush with the deck. I have 3 on my boat and they have never leaked a drop, although they are less than a year old so not tested long term.

 

[coopec]

That is an interesting observation as the latest hatches are designed specifically to be mounted flush with the deck. I have 3 on my boat and they have never leaked a drop, although they are less than a year old so not tested long term.

I had to build the deck up to get a flat surface to mount my hatches on. If I was doing Site Surfer's I would use 6mm+ acrylic/plastic sheet glued to the deck and then mount the hatch on top of that. I'm sure it would look neat.

I don't know whether you can see what I've done but it is the only photo I have of the deck.

View attachment 58214

Incidentally I plan to mount all my stanchions on top of nylon "pads" which will be sikaflexed to the deck. I think that will stop most of the leaks

Clive

 

[thinwater]

Many years ago I bought two Houdini hatches because they were cheap. Then I found they were renowned for leaking because the rubber seals are open to the weather UV light etc. I bought better hatches and they fitted perfectly.

I'm going to use the two Houdinis in a solid dodger that I have yet to make up and I think they will be ideal there as it won't matter if they leak a little.

My better quality hatches leaked a little until I smeared vaseline on the rubber seals. It stopped the leaks but I'm not completely sure why: did the lubrication allowed the rubber seals to move slightly and provide a better seal? I'd certainly try that with your Houdini hatches and I'd also consider getting a light PVC strip and gluing around the perimeter of the hatch. (If it was the right size it would protect the rubber seal)

Finally I wouldn't mount the hatches flush with the deck: I would raise them at least 6 mm so that water can't be blown across the deck and under the seals. Your seals would be working overtime trying to keep water out.

Clive

Generally this helps because it makes the seal water repellent, making it impossible for water to wick through. Most effective on minor seeps.

 

[Mandarin331]

Au contraire to what has been said here in other threads, I bought a Gebo "drop in" Houdini replacement from Seateach, and it's superb... and it dropped in... Just check yours is a 500mmx500mm... The better design also stops water sitting on the hatch running inside the boat as you open it...

+1, superb replacement, if pricey but worth it not having to change the hole size.

 

[coopec]

That is an interesting observation as the latest hatches are designed specifically to be mounted flush with the deck. I have 3 on my boat and they have never leaked a drop, although they are less than a year old so not tested long term.

I was probably a bit harsh on Houdini hatches. They've been around for thirty years (plus) so they must be doing something right. If you have trouble with your seals some time down the track you can replace them without drama

http://www.deckhardware.com.au/-categories/hatches_and_ports/houdini/houdini_deck_hatches/

My window seals are exposed to UV so I know I will have to replace them eventually