[abl1111]

Bush - I don't know how durable or effective that would be ? I understand what you're describing, but sand, fish guts etc might make that set-up breakdown quick.

I always thought that a thin, durable, closed-cell, adhesive, rubber gasket or weatherstrip placed on the deck's horizontal lip ( where the hatch closes ) would be the best option to make a water-tight seal. That, along with a strong latch - which I already have installed.

Note: My hatch used to be screwed down, covering a 2nd fuel tank. I removed the tank and made the area for needed storage. I put the hatch on a SS piano hinge and put SS latches for positive closure. Works great, but I really want to keep my bilge dry. I have played with the idea of using the area for a fish locker and adding a macerator to the hatch drain and pumping it all over board - this would keep the bilge from getting water, but then this storage/locker would fill with rain water !?


ET3 - you're describing to silicone the hatch down permanently - or at least till you cut it back out. We're looking for a way to keep the hatch in use and waterproof.