: I have a quick question.

: I am using magnets on my hatches and I have read several threads about
: glassing over the magnets. Is that necessary?

: I used a forstner bit to countersink the magnets and I will cover with a thin
: layer of epoxy, and then the WP-LPU that I am using to finish the hull.

: Is the epoxy and LPU enough protection of is the glass needed? I can't see
: that there should be too much wear and tear on the magnets, and the closer
: they fit the stronger the hatch closing.

Epoxy and varnish are not enough to ensure waterproofness.

Epoxy will not stick to the magnet's polished jacket. It will flex away from
the magnet surface and deteriorate.

The magnets will rust with the slightest water intrusion and then they swell
and will burst the epoxy seal further.

Glass is needed to make a stiff reinforced watertight seal. The glass over the magnets
also gives you an idea of how much you can sand to level the surface and still have a
reinforced sealed surface.

I use a patch of 4 oz. glass over each magnet.

All the best,
Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.laughingloon.com