I built a Cape Charles 17 a few years ago and came up with a modification to the hatches and hatch covers that has totally eliminated leaks. What I did was to take some 4mm ply and cut a piece into a ring that matched the dimensions of my hatch opening. The width of the ring was about 1/2". I then glued (epoxied) it onto the deck so that the hatch opening then had a raised lip around it's perimeter. Sabe? A little sanding and shaping will make it come out nice and pretty.

For the hatch cover I made a jig that matched the radius of the deck and glued two pieces of 3mm ply together over it. When this cured I had a very solid piece of ply that exactly (or atleast fairly closely) matched the radius of the deck. This is where it get a little trickey. I then cut out the hatch cover so that it extends past the hatch opening ring and the ring that I will glue to the underside of the new hatch cover. Next cut out a ring about 1/2" wide to fit under the perimeter of the hatch and glue in place. Once again sand and shape so that everything comes out looking good.

To make everything waterproof, put one layer of weatherstripping on the ring on the bottom of the hatch and put another layer of weatherstripping on the ring around the perimeter of the hatch opening. Any water will have to get down under the hatch cover and then up and over the hatch opening lip. Mine doesn't leak a drop. I did this setup as I was building my kayak, but it shouldn't be too hard to do to an existing kayak. I hope this made sense.

JC john@gearaid.com www.gearaid.com

> I'm getting more leakage into the hatches of my recently built Chesapeake
> 16 than I like. It looks as though the covers didn't take on enough
> radius, and even with the straps very tight they leak when sprayed ( and
> not real forcefully) with a hose. I'm thinking of putting a bright
> flashlight inside to acertain where the gaps are. Any hints on building up
> the gasket or other solutinons? Thanks!