(no subject)

The question has come up recently regarding leaky hatches and bulkheads. It
has been my observation that foam and press-fit bulkheads suffer from three
problems (not all fail - some work well for many years). The first problem
was more prevelant a few years ago when maunufactures were using inferior
sealants none too compatible with fibreglass. Better sealants are avaliable
industry wide today. Secondly, particularly with tight fitting, press-fit
bulkheads, there is a possibility that as they are pressed in, too much
sealant squeezes out whereby a good seal is lost. Thirdly, over time,
flexing and sealant degregation does occur. Gooping more sealant on doesn't
always do the trick. One may need to completely redo the entire bulkhead -
not an easy task to remove, clean, and reinstal. Test new boats while still
under warrenty and return for fixing - don't get talked out of a proper
repair job. Also, test bulkheads periodically over the life of the boat.
Maintenance is the paddlers responsibility.

On the issue of leaking hatches, well, almost every design can leak a bit.
Dealers dissmiss this notion, but then what are they supposed to say! "Yeah,
ours leak a bit, so just stay close to shore, you will be fine"? You can
also drill a tiny hole in the upper middle of the bulkheads to equalize
pressure. Silicon oil can also be applied to hatches ang/or gaskets, but use
very sparingly. VCP hatches are some of the best, but even they can leak a
bit now and then. When I installed a new VCP oval hatch on my older
Nordkapp, using a custom made deck mould, I made a really tight fit around
the reccessed rim. After epoxy spray painting the whole boat to cover that
and other modifications, the extra few thousands of an inch in paint
thickness made for a very snug fit. I wish manufactures would take the time
to better engineer for watertightness. Anyway, I now have nice dry boat (it
is still a real wet ride in a Nordkapp, on the outside, however!!!!).

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