I've a CD33.
My cockpit lockers are the basic fiberglas mating edges and they don't mate very well.
I've tried a variety of solutions such as adhesive foam strips (didn't last very long), split hose(too much binding) and other ideas not worth mentioning.
Has anyone devised a method to seal the lockers from wash down, heavy rain and the odd boarding wave?
thanks,
mike
mpr@seascan.com
Wanted, info to solve leaking cockpit lockers
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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matt cawthorne
Re: Wanted, info to solve leaking cockpit lockers
Mike,
The lack of ventilation could be a problem if you seal things up too tightly. Boarding waves are a pain. Heavy rain should not get through. Are you certain that it is coming in over the top? My 36 used to have all sorts of leaks in this area, but water does not often get into the locker by going between the lid and the edge of the opening.
I have thought of two ways to make seals and tried one. The method that I have tried is to glue spongy neoprene cord to the underside of the lid for my lazerette. This cord is the same stuff used for the port gaskets. The problem is that the cord is a little too large and it initially took too much force to close it. HDPE cord might work as well and it is cheaper. Try www.McMaster-Carr.com The trouble is that the HDPE is stiffer and might make the job of closing the lid even togher.
A method that I have not tried is to wax the edge of the opening and put a healthy bead of silicone sealant on the inside of the lid. Close the lid and come back in a few days. The seal should match perfectly. I have done this to make custom rubber feet for things with uneven bottoms. If the wax does not work well enough you might have a bear of a time getting the locker open the first time. Try it on a little area first. Let us know how it works.
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
The lack of ventilation could be a problem if you seal things up too tightly. Boarding waves are a pain. Heavy rain should not get through. Are you certain that it is coming in over the top? My 36 used to have all sorts of leaks in this area, but water does not often get into the locker by going between the lid and the edge of the opening.
I have thought of two ways to make seals and tried one. The method that I have tried is to glue spongy neoprene cord to the underside of the lid for my lazerette. This cord is the same stuff used for the port gaskets. The problem is that the cord is a little too large and it initially took too much force to close it. HDPE cord might work as well and it is cheaper. Try www.McMaster-Carr.com The trouble is that the HDPE is stiffer and might make the job of closing the lid even togher.
A method that I have not tried is to wax the edge of the opening and put a healthy bead of silicone sealant on the inside of the lid. Close the lid and come back in a few days. The seal should match perfectly. I have done this to make custom rubber feet for things with uneven bottoms. If the wax does not work well enough you might have a bear of a time getting the locker open the first time. Try it on a little area first. Let us know how it works.
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
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Murray Glue
Re: Wanted, info to solve leaking cockpit lockers
Dayspring ( CD30 ) had this problem. I think the cockpit locker lids do not fit very well so the only option is rubber...I took the hinges off the cockpit ( leaving them attached to the lids ) and checked for any height difference with the seals glued in place. There was about 5mm there so all 4 were packed up with a teak spacer piece and reassembled. They no longer leak. The size of rubber is around 12mm thick and maybe 20mm wide, available from companies which do marine upholstery and covers, or some autofitters. You may have to take off the locker latches and fill the holes and readjust the position to get an easy closure as well.
106452.2173@compuserve.com
106452.2173@compuserve.com