1974 20 ft. CC SF rear baitwell hatch question

[fly4navy]

I am against having the rear deck (behind the bench seat) baitwell drain into the bilge. Since I won't be using it, I have decided to seal the entire hatch into place with 5200. Though I can't imagine any reason for not doing this, I thought it wise just see if there is something I am missing or should be considering about this from the learned members out there.

Thanks!

[slowJEEP]

Seems drastic. How about putting a plug in the drain so you can use it at a later date and drain it on your terms?

[fly4navy]

I did plug it for a few weeks and considered it for the longer term...but didn't want that entire well filling with water (boat is moored) and then having to either bail it or drain it through the bilge. My transom is not raised so I additionally did not want to accumulate the additional weight of the water in the well as I wasn't sure what that would do to my downward thru hull scuppers!

G

[erebus]

If you're going to seal the hatch up, use something less permanent, like Boatlife life-seal, or at the very least 3M 4000 UV.

You never know if you'll need to open that hatch up at some point and with 5200 you'll most likely destroy the hatch in your attempts.

Just my .02 cents (USD).

[Mikem8560]

Ive had the idea of installing a watertight hatch innthebpanal amd then sealing it the floor panel with somthing less permanate that 5200 and then still have storage below

[erebus]

Originally Posted by Mikem8560

Ive had the idea of installing a watertight hatch in the panel and then sealing it the floor panel with somthing less permanate that 5200 and then still have storage below

An even better idea.

A nice Bomar or Jim Black hatch in the sealed lid.
Best of everything!

[fly4navy]

Thanks


I will modify it down to "less drastic"

G