> Anybody got any bright ideas about how to seal flush mount hatches ???

Phil,

I'm using a method described on the KBbbs about 4-6 months ago. I think it came from George Roberts but I'm not sure.

1. Cut out the hatches extra large to accomodate for the recessed shelf (see below).

2. Using 3-4 mil plywood, glue a 1-inch wide ring around the inside of the hatch hole. Make the inside edges of the ring and hatch hole flush.

3. Again using 3-4 mil plywood, glue another ring with the same outside diameter as the first ring, but 1-3/4 inches wide. This should give you a 3/4-inch shelf inside the hatch opening that is recessed 6-8 millimeters, depending on your deck thickness.

4. Mount 3/4 x 3/4 inch weatherstriping to the shelf or the back of your hatch.

I'm building a CLC Chesapeake 18 so I'll use the tripple strap method to secure the hatches. I'm counting on the strap compression to seal the hatch and make it flush.

I chose this method for its simplicity and speed. I did not have large enough material to make a complete ring so I glued in half rings (first two last night). I plan to stagger my joints to try and avoid any weak spots. I also cut the inside heavy (more than 1-inch wide on the first ring) and plan on grinding the excess out when the epoxy is set.

Happy Boatbuilding,

John