Aft cleanout plate gasket

[tdonoughue]

When I installed the tow valves, I pulled up the cleanout plate (under the wet storage locker--through which you reach to get to the cleanout plugs). It is held in place by a dozen or so screws and some nice white silicone seals it. Of course, I didn't reseal it. Not tragic, but every now and then after a full day on the water I wind up with a gallon or so that comes out of the bilge.

Today I went to Lowes and got the smallest weatherstripping I could find. Rubber. Also, epoxy. I pulled the plate (some of the screws do not hold any more) and added the weatherstripping.

It is not perfect at the corners because it would not bend that much. So I cut it and continued it. Then I used the epoxy on each hole. Waited for the epoxy to cure, then relaid the plate. The epoxy made me redrill two of the holes; on the others it just held the screw much better. All screws now catch, the hatch is sealed and can be pulled without recaulking.

Q.E.D.

 

[Bruce]

I started resealing mine with cheap Loktite 2 year caulk. It keeps the water out and it comes out easily next time. I add caulk to all of the screws before reinstalling.