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F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 5:46 pm
by jnimety
I've been trying to solve an issue with the hatch seals/gaskets on my sort of new to me (my parents bought this boat new when I was 5) 1984 F32. We've always had issues with the foam seals wandering after being replaced. They remain water tight for about a season, then drift and become ineffective.

I finally decided to add aluminum U channel to the hatches to accept the seals and prevent wandering. It's only been a few weeks but I'm very happy with the results. For anyone else interested in doing the same I thought I'd document the process here.

Parts:
  • 24 ft Aluminum Satin Anodized 1-1/6" U-Channel - Amazon
  • 25 ft Water-Resistant Closed Cell Foam Strip, Neoprene-EPDM-SBR, 3/4" Thick, 1" W X 25 ft. L, Black - Grainger
  • 24 Barrel Nuts (8 for each hatch, length less than or equal to hatch thickness, 1/2" in my case) - West Marine
  • 24 pan head screws to match your barrel nuts
  • 24 rubber washers to match your barrel nuts (I cheap-ed out and bought some rubber washers from Home Depot and drilled them out to fit)
Determining the length of cut for the U channel sides took some measuring and If I did this again I'd go about it differently so I won't share the measurements here. If you do attempt this project measure the inside of your hatch opening and use that measurement for the short sides of your mitered u-channel.

One thing I discovered, is that the foam seal contracts longitudinally after removing the paper from the tape. Measure and cut your seals 1 or 1.5 inches longer than needed to avoid gaps.

Now for the reveal!

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Re: F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:20 am
by RWS
nicely done

so nice of folks like you to share

its what makes this FORUM GREAT !



RWS

Re: F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:45 am
by prowlersfish
Good info

Re: F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:59 am
by jnimety
Thanks!

Here's a pic of the dimensions for the u-channel in case that Amazon link doesn't stand the test of time. I also forgot to add that I decided not to seal the mating surfaces between the aluminum and plastic hatch but may do so in the future. I plan on using 3M Fast Cure 4000 UV for its bonding strength to both plastics and metals.

Re: F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2018 6:36 pm
by Captrichc
Amazing. Did you replace the white glass as well?

Re: F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 11:39 am
by jnimety
Captrichc, no. Those are original.

Re: F32 Hatch Seal Re-engineering

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 1:32 pm
by Captrichc
jnimety wrote: Mon Aug 27, 2018 11:39 am Captrichc, no. Those are original.
Ok thanks. I need to redo my hatches. It's on the list. Along with the hardware.