R-21 Front hatch leak

[Sheepdog012]

HI Folks, Another question about Island Girl, She is a 2015 R-21EC. I noticed the other day after a prolonged period of rain that there was a very small drip coming from the stern side of the front hatch. The glass was locked down and those seals are in great shape, so I don't think that was the source. Does anyone have any advice on finding out where the entry point is? Would it be best to simply remove the hatch and reseal it? I don't want top play the "caulk around the outside" game as it never seem to look very good. Any insights would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[ohioan55]

I'll take a look at our 2015 this weekend and see if I can spot something that may cause this. Was it a blowing rain?

 

[Sheepdog012]

Thanks Ohioan55! It wasn't very windy, just a long day of moderate rain. However, it rained again yesterday, but no leak. I'm perplexed.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

He hatches are sealed with an rubber gasket under the hatch lip. This may be the cause of the leak, I would prefer a sealant there instead but that is not the way the Jim black hatches come. If you do remove it check that the screws have not leaked and place some sealant around the screw holes and around the edge of the cut out. If you see any dirt areas where the hatch was that is a good indication that water was getting under the hatch gasket. One thing you can do to check is remove the interior trim and then hose down the hatch and see if there is water coming in.

 

[Sheepdog012]

Thanks Pilotnavigator! I'll try that.

 

[ohioan55]

I've looked at ours and don't know how yours is leaking (sorry). When you figure it out, let us know what it was please.

 

[ohioan55]

I looked again yesterday (and cleaned the spider stuff from the seal). Our seal is pliable and conforms to the top hatch, as yours should still be. You could clean and condition the seal with some silicone to see if that helps. I must admit that the seal doesn't have much rise and a strong wind could push water in if the seal didn't fit tight. I'm thinking it may not be the seal, but the entire hatch assembly that is the issue. You may end up having to remove the entire hatch and reseating with sealant to solve this. Is the leaking from the hatch or near the hatch?

 

[Sheepdog012]

THanks All for the replies. I still haven't figured it out. THe seal on the top part of the hatch seems brand new and in great condition. The seal under the hatch looks good except in one spot on the starboard forward corner, where it MAY have a slit in it. I am going to enjoy the boat for the next few weeks before the season ends and then dig into it over the winter. She will be stored indoors on my property so I will have time for that and other planned projects. I will come back here with whatever I find. Thanks again!