Hatch Cover Attaching and Sealing

[bhwalker]

I am finishing a wooden RC sailboat (approximate 37 inches long = 93 cm), and am not sure how best to solve one problem. I am making a varnished teak hatch cover to cover the opening in the main deck (7 x 14), through which one accesses the servos, batteries, and receiver -- all of which will rest on an RC deck within the boat. How can I make the hatch easily removable, replaceable, and watertight? Note that the deck is already painted with glossy marine paint.



Any suggestions would be appreciated?



Thanks,



Ben

[RickE]

You could use small eyehooks (like those used on large picture frames) and rubber bands to hold the hatch. The hooks go into both the cover and the inner hull, afterwhich you use the rubber bands (I like the big #64s use for R/C airplanes) to create a "spring-loaded" cover. The tension will hold the hatch in place and keep some moisture out; but, some thin rubber gasket material around the cover's sealing edge will add more waterproofing at the hatch/deck joint.

Hope this helps,
Rick Eyrich

[bhwalker]

Rick,

That sounds like a great idea!

Could you tell me more about the rubber bands? Where can one get them?

Any ideas regarding where to find appropriate gasket material?

Thanks,

Ben

[RickE]

Ben,

The #64-size rubber bands are a staple at most hobby shops-Hobbico sells them by the box for the aircraft guys to strap-on their wings. Most Staples also carry them as well-look by the paper clamp/clip area. The gasket material should be available through any good ACE or True Valve hardware store (I can't find it at the bigbox DIY outlets).

Rick

[mike jones]

Hi Ben, I built a 49" lol emma c berry practically from scratch. I built the two hatches using carved cove molding and the rubber bands over eyelets idea has worked well since 1985. Additionally, I put a small sponge over the servos, etc which soaks up most of any moisture that creeps in. Any questions, please write. Good luck, Mike I am finishing a wooden RC sailboat (approximate 37 inches long = 93 cm), and am not sure how best to solve one problem. I am making a varnished teak hatch cover to cover the opening in the main deck (7 x 14), through which one accesses the servos, batteries, and receiver -- all of which will rest on an RC deck within the boat. How can I make the hatch easily removable, replaceable, and watertight? Note that the deck is already painted with glossy marine paint.



Any suggestions would be appreciated?



Thanks,



Ben