Cabin top hatch gaskets ??

Newsgroups Archive Prior to 2025
1

I have searched the forum and found some conflicting information on these gaskets. There is one reference to 3/8" ø, a few that mention 1/2"ø, and one that claims 9/16"ø. Can anyone clear this up for me? I took my calipers up to the boat today and I measured the channel as 9/16" at the lip. The gasket was in the way, preventing me from measuring the actual diameter. McMaster-Carr has 3/8", 1/2", and 1"ø but not 9/16". McMaster-Carr wants $11.65 US for ten feet, which I would think is enough to do both hatches, even though only one is leaking. Has anyone done this recently?
What kind of adhesive is recommended?

Tim in STL

White O’morn NS26U

Harbor Point Yacht Club

West Alton, MO

2

I measured mine at 1/2” and obtained it from Adkins-Hoyle. Matched old one and fits in channel. Way, way overpriced and I still have a leak. Not happy!!
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

3

I replaced mine with 1/2” surgical tubing. It’s cheap and locally available anywhere. It seems to work fine.

Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay B.C.

4

Paul, Isn’t Surgical tubing silicone? What adhesive did you use?

Tim in STL

White O’morn NS26U

Harbor Point Yacht Club

West Alton, MO

5

Having just spent $8 per foot from Atkins Hoyle I recommend anything else. Plus another $30 for a tube of adhesive. And another $15 for shipping. Total ripoff.

Use their website as the guide. The small hatches were 3/8 and the large ones were 1/2 I recall.

6

Great idea, Paul!
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

7

Apparently some is silicone but I think mine was the latex rubber stuff. To be honest I don’t remember what I used for an adhesive but I was likely a silicone.

8

Here is a link to Hammerhead Nautical Systems

http://www.hhns.ca/

Previous discussions refer to him as the person to see regarding A & H hatches, etc. for our Nonsuches.

Joe
26C #156
SEA HORSE

9

Four years ago I worked on my port gaskets and was successful in stopping leaks, so I will use the same materials when it is time to do the hatches. I looked back and found that I posted this:

“… After a couple of false starts, I ended up with “Trim-Lok X303-25 EPDM Closed Cell Sponge Rubber Seal, 0.38” Cord Stock Diameter” that I got on amazon.com. Cost was $22.18 for 25 feet (which isn’t enough to do all the ports on a 33 so I have ordered again). I did not need to do the hatches, and it looks like they require a larger gasket.

I used 3M 08008 Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive to mount it in the channel – great stuff. A 5 oz tube may be a lifetime supply. After I cleaned the channels (a short dowel or similar is helpful) I used a small bead of adhesive and masking tape to help hold it in the corners, then closed the port until the adhesive set. The cord is about the same size as the solid gasket it replaced and since it in not compressed I had to loosen the latches slightly. So far, so good."

SInce I did the replacement there have been no leaks and the cord is still stuck well. The 3M adhesive is great, but be careful not to get it on your finger(s) and touch anything. I happen to know it is very difficult to get off.

Nick C.

Catbird Nonsuch 33

Washington, NC

10

I disagree with the term “ripoff” on the prices any supplier has for the materials they sell.

I replaced the acrylic and gaskets in the two large hatches on my 33. Atkins was very helpful with an explanation on what to do (expended their time = money). Later, when I replaced the acrylic and gaskets in my ports, I spent my time finding the same or similar products online at lower prices.

Everybody needs to make a living.

11

I tend to agree with Ward.

Our local marine store specialists answer my questions for free. They have even advised me to purchase products that are less expensive than what I thought I needed. Yes, their prices are a bit higher than Amazon and other online retailers. But I think it is important to support local businesses because, in my self-serving and selfish way, I need them to help me and the premium I pay for the goods is worth the ‘free’ advice.

…..Ed

P7250199
P7250199180×135 3.03 KB

Ed and Marlene Brost

SaSeaCat N30U #322

Sarnia Yacht Club

Sarnia Ontario

12

I tend to agree with Ward.

Our local marine store specialists answer my questions for free. They have even advised me to purchase products that are less expensive than what I thought I needed. Yes, their prices are a bit higher than Amazon and other online retailers. But I think it is important to support local businesses because, in my self-serving and selfish way, I need them to help me and the premium I pay for the goods is worth the ‘free’ advice.

…..Ed

13

Ed, I agree with everything you say here. You mention that “Yes, their prices are a bit higher…”. McMaster Carr wants $0.81 US per foot for the EDPM gasket material, Atkins Hoyle wants $8.00 CAD, that is a bit more of a difference than I am willing to swallow. Twice as much, maybe, but ten times as much?

Tim in STL

White O’morn NS26U

Harbor Point Yacht Club

West Alton, MO

14

Interesting - this post is generating some rather strong, possibly visceral feelings about value for money, supporting local commerce, etc.

When it comes to replacing/restoring/repairing hatches and port lights, etc., my own experience is limited to what I’ve read on this bulletin board (which is PLENTY, frankly), over the last 7 - 8 years. Maybe I’ve simply ignored my poor hatches and ports but, in truth, they are fine. They are Adkins and Hoyle, of Napanee, Ontario and are, of course, original to the boat.

My observations are that, while they are fine products, according to many, many, many posts, they are fiercely overpriced. We are talking both bits and pieces and complete components. Especially, these days, I really feel strongly about supporting local, maybe smaller, businesses. And, yes, good service, when you really need it, is … priceless !!

However, as stated, I have never found a marine supplier with so many complaints about ferocious pricing (and, face it, gang) many of you are paying this Canadian firm in USD (and still dropping your collective jaw at the prices).

Does Mike Quill (Saint Nonsuch to many of us) charge SUCH high prices ?? He could - he casts and builds components for our boats in really small quantities. He dispenses ALL of the advice anyone would need to cover any job - no charge. And, yet, one doesn’t get the impression, from reading these posts, that he is “ripping anyone off”.

In my opinion, Adkins and Hoyle, in a perfectly mannerly (read: stereotypically Canadian) way, knows (or feels) that they have a “cornered” market and they behave that way. They make good products and they charge too much - There !! Let me be the 101st one to say it.

Years ago, a couple of fellows left A-H and started their own company around Toronto. It is called Hammerhead http://www.hhns.ca/ Check them out. Possibly, some contributors to this board have used them. They build and repair hatches, etc. and are, of course, very familiar with A - H products.

I love to deal with good businesses and do not mind paying for the privilege but I do have thing about truly feeling cheated. I don’t think I’m alone …

Ernie A. in Toronto

15

I think it speaks volumes that this group shares information with each other for exactly these reasons. We are probably all just a bit too thrifty to pay exorbitantly high prices for brand-name replacement parts (think “Westerbeke” among others) when we can find the exact same product elsewhere for a fraction of the cost. My initial discovery of the value of this group is when I was looking for the solenoid replacement for the starter motor. I could have paid over $250 for a brand name Westerbeke part that I ended up sourcing for $50 from a local motor store. Sounds like we all like to avoid ‘yard rates’ too, so the know-how and experience this group offers is invaluable to me.

Thanks for that.

Keep sharing the tips! I plan to do the same.

Bob Gehrman
NS 30U #396 “Quickbeam”
Baltimore, Maryland

16

I agree Ernie. A & H seems to be in a league of its own in the area of punitive pricing, though Westerbeke must be close.Thankfully, I have never had to deal directly with either.

David Young
Bay Cat, 30U #402
Suttons Bay, MI
USA

17

The sealant I purchased from A&H appears to be Silaprene M6325. They sent me a Canadian-branded tube, but from what I’ve researched it looks like this is it.

https://www.jdindustrialsupply.com/silaprenem6325.html

18

Bob,

You are correct. It is Silaprene.