Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

[Sandbank]

Hi,
I have an issue thats P&^% me off.
Background
Boat floor has a screw down hatch that covers hold where fuel/water tank is. The hatch fits into a channel about 2"deep and 2"wide. Hold has a bilge pump installed also as a separate compartment to the main rear bilge area.Have put rubber sealant foam tape under hatch to prevent water ingress flooding from channel into hold

Issue
The water just sits in the channel and goes bloody manky very quickly (about 1-2 litres).
What to do??

I have considered installing a drain hose into base of channel but as all my below hold areas remain constantly dry, draining it to the bilge just gives me another problem.Though about putting a Y junction in the deck drain hose and sending it out there but the levels are not really suitable (may work at a pinch).

Thought about running waterproof clear tape around the hatch to water getting into the channel in the first place-will this work?or will I be scraping old tape and residue off the deck for ever once the sun gets to it??

has any one got any advice please!
Cheers

 

[Philster]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

Cut it out and put in a proper hatch that is more water tight. There are good hatches out there.

Of course, pictures would help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=20

I used it on my windows in winter. It lasts between 6 months and a year. you could remove and reseal once every few months.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

"bloody manky" is a new nautical term for me, but I like it!

Is it strine?

If you are talking about a large hatch, something 2' by 4' (go get your conversion chart) built in, seal it with caulk or silicone, but keep in mind it's hard to keep it mildew free. That;s what I do. But my crack is only 1/4" wide--are you saying yours is 2" wide when the hatch is in it? if so I agree about replacing the hatch

Or you could put in a drain with a tube to the bilge in the rear, to direct the water back there, which is where the rain water ends up anyway.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

If I am understanding correctly the 2 x 2 hatch channel is holding the water and not draining it off but the compartment under it is fine. I would put in a drain line in the lowest part of the channel and run it to the bilge and call it done. A picture sure would help no one but you can see it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

Maybe you could get a black rubber floor mat, bigger than your hatch, and keep it over the hatch to keep out rainwater?....If you don't open or access your hatch very often you could attach the mat to the hatch cover with some glue or screws in the center to sorta keep the mat from blowing or sliding around....Pour just a little Clorox/Bleach into the channel from time to time to avoid "Manky" water...

 

[Sandbank]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

"bloody manky" is a new nautical term for me, but I like it!

Is it strine?

If you are talking about a large hatch, something 2' by 4' (go get your conversion chart) built in, seal it with caulk or silicone, but keep in mind it's hard to keep it mildew free. That;s what I do. But my crack is only 1/4" wide--are you saying yours is 2" wide when the hatch is in it? if so I agree about replacing the hatch

Or you could put in a drain with a tube to the bilge in the rear, to direct the water back there, which is where the rain water ends up anyway.

When hatch down only about 1/4"gap. Maybe cauk isthe answer

 

[Sandbank]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

Thanks Robert,will remember the clorox tip

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Draining or waterproofing floor hatch channels

Please post pics of your problem area so we can give you the right advice without guessing. I just built some custom seals on my boat, but if it is a access hatch it should be bedded in some caulk. I use one hour dry time silicone.