hatch in cockpit

[bumblefish]

I have a hatch in the sole of my cockpit. It has a wooden 'seal' which is quite rotten and needs replacing. Could I do something with a rubber seal? Also the locking mechanism is a simple screw type fixing and it has been suggested that I replace this with a more secure, both seathworthy and 'oik' proof, mechanism.
Elizabethan 30.

 

[Gin]

Have a look at aviation security fastenings.

Screw threads as normal but a choice of very strange screw head fastenings which require specific, and not at all common tools, to fasten/unfasten them.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Have a look at protex
for the fasteners. How big is the current hatch and could you fit a standard lewmar / gebo hatch and stick some anti slip tape on the surface

 

[FullCircle]

I had one of these on my Jouet for access to the engine.
I replaced the rotted wood surround with decent 3/4 inch thick teak, bedded onto the sole with Sikaflex and bolted through, and added a rubber seal to the top. That way, I could sweep the cockpit with the brush and not chance damaging the rubber seal, and also, was easy to clean off the algae build up. With a rubbber seal straight to deck, there will be green build up under the seal, difficlut to get at.
I had a quick release latch for use when I was on the boat, accessible from the cockpit, but a simple para cord attached to the bottom of the lid, led down to a pulley attached to the locker side wall, which then went forward to the cabin, and locked off on a dinghy jam cleat kept it secure when not in use. Simple, and about 2 quid in total.

 

[bumblefish]

Can you tell me more about your rubber seal?

 

[FullCircle]

Well actually I just used best automotive quality Nitto closed cell self adhesive, about 3/4 inch square, which was cut from sheet ( I am in the auto trade). At a pinch you could use heavy duty self adhesive draft sealing on a roll, it would achieve a reasonable measure of watertightness if compressed over 50%.
This I just stuck down to the teak frame, double width, and then ran a generous bead of Sikaflex around the outside to seal the edge to the wood, and ran my thumb round to smooth it for cleanability.
I still have some, if you send me a PM with your address, I'll put it in the post, for a suitable couple of quid chucked in the RNLI box.

 

[lydiamight]

Have alook on here--just about any seal you are likely to want. http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/bbCMS/listDepartments.asp?intSiteAreaId=1
No connection etc.

 

[Spuddy]

I need some fasteners, Roger. The link doesn't work, though - is it a S.A firm ?

 

[bumblefish]

Try this one
Protex

 

[rogerthebodger]

Sorry miss spell, bumblefish got the correct one

Protex are in Redditch, Worcestershire.

Very nice people, I visited then last time I was in UK and got some clips from them and no VAT as I was from South Africa

 

[bumblefish]

I like the look of the flush range. Could be the right one for a cockpit sole hatch.