> If you use a router or cut a groove you'll compromise the wood/glass - so
> assuming a recessed lip of say 3/8":

> Cheap white glue a 1/4" x 1/4" pc of cardbd ( or 1/4" rope
> or anything long and flexible up of the same size) to the middle of the
> recessed lip. Cover w/ vaseline and saran wrap and push on the hatch BUT
> cinch it down so it depresses about 1/16" BELOW the deck.

> Next day peel off. Remove the strip by soaking in hot water and now put
> silicone on the recessed lip. Saran the cover and cinch down so its
> perfectly flush.

> Next day you've got a 2 part lipped and grooved seal. You could do this ad
> infinitum.

> -mick

Hey that rope idea might not be bad!! or use a tube. The idea is to glue it down so the first part silicone gasket goes nearly all the way around. You have 2 options either the rope/ tube is permanent and then make the gasket flush or you make a second part like above ( probably way difficult but there may be ways). And then the gasket will just snap in place or snap off. I would use some sort of strap of course but this may be a great first line of defense.

I also gotta like some of the possibilites here of actually embedding a circumference of shock cord and having a hatch inner lip instead of a flange. Pull the cord and its close to a perfect seal, airtight, watertight and damnwell may be structural too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

holy mackerel another possibility - ya gotta love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-fully fired up mickster