> 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

I did the same but used two spacer rings, then the wide ring for the rubber stripping. I left a gap between the rubber and the edge of the opening. I then glued a 1/4 x 1/4 wooden rim on the underside of my hatch cover and covered it with a thin layer of rubber stripping. Now I have two seals with the lip on the underside of the hatch against the side of the rubber on the boat. Works great so far and the hatch is flush with the grain matching the deck.

Randy