The never-ending project to fill my hole in the ocean while bailing it out

Preparing for Sailing Season '06
The Forward Hatch Project
– Page 2 –

Description

This morning I sealed the deck around my new hole with 3M 4200, then also sealed the edge of the hatch frame flange itself.  I let it set -- apparently too long, about 4 hours in the sun.  When I mounted the hatch frame flange into the deck, the compound didn't compress sufficient to my liking.  Since this is a one-shot deal, I decided to take action; piling cement cinder blocks atop a quickly-rigged wood frame distributing the weight where it was needed.  (Tell me that deck isn't solid!)  The seal looks good now, and should look better later when I fasten the hatch frame flange to the deck I hope.  (Apr. 27, 2006)

After a day off for sailing with Wally Riddle aboard his new Alerion 28, “Rocinante,” today it was back plugging away at my hatch project.  This morning I fastened the deck and inner frame flange -- the cinder blocks seem to have worked, and the extra day yesterday really settled the compound nicely. I removed them only after I had the frame flange fastened from below to keep the seal good and tight.  (Apr. 29, 2006)

I installed the hinges, then screwed them in finger-tight.  I'll tighten them up tomorrow once the bedding compound cures.

At least it's workable, but there's still some daylight between the hatch seal and its frame.  I'm going to need to add more gasket to the hatch.

The hole is covered in time for tomorrow's late afternoon "driving rain" that is supposed to last through mid-week.  Tomorrow morning I'll tighten down the hinge thru-bolts through the deck then start adding on the new hardware so I can keep the lid closed.  (I've got the anchor chain just below to hang from it and hold it closed if time runs out!)

The hatch dog that came with the hatch from Dennis Slaton.

It would work perfectly, if I can figure out what it uses as a stop on the hatch frame flange.

The port hatch hinge, tightened.

The starboard hatch hinge, tightened.

The hatch hinges installed.  (See old hinges)