> Thanks Pete,

> I guess it leaks, and I thought it might. Since the seal is foam
> weather-stripping, do think it would help to epoxy a ridge of...something
> (I was initially picturing using really thick string, but it seems stupid
> now that it isn't 2am.) that would press up into the middle of the foam,
> where it seals around the hatch? That way the foam would press onto the
> deck on either side of the ridge and the ridge would press up into the
> middle of the foam. Would that make a better seal?

> Let me know what you think,

> THanks,

> Paul

Other Paul:

Sounds like what you are describing is an attempt to create more pressure on a limited area of your seal in the desire to get that seal tighter.

If you build up a ridge, whether you use string, a piece of cane, a large diameter rubber `o' ring, or a length of 12 gauge copper wire (dipped in epoxy) you should get the same effect. The thicker material compresses the foam seal a bit more. At the same time you will have to tighten the hatch down a bit tighter to get this effect, but probably not so much that it would be noticeable.

The potential problem here is that the actual sealing area might be narrower (the thickness of the ridge) which means you would need to pay more attention to keeping it clean and free of sand, and scum.

You could achieve a similar result with a thicker seal, too. A wide soft seal would tend to be more forgiving to miscellaneous dirt, as it would fit over and around such matter.

Have you considered using a narrow bead of a silicone sealant for making that ridge? Clear silicone could be applied quickly, and be far less noticeable that other materials for constructing that ridge. Lay out an area where you want your ridge and use parallel strips of masking tape to define the outside edges of this area. Lay a bead of silicone sealant in the space between the tape and with a damp finger shape it into a narrow, pointy ridge, with a cross section something like the cross section of a automotive windshield wiper blade, but not as tall. With this shape, not only would the silicone push into your existing foam, but as you applied more pressure the silicone would also deform more, and provide a larger sealing area. You would get two soft sealing surfaces nesting into each other. Hopefully it would give a better seal than what you have. The material is inexpensive, forms a durable skin in a few minutes and cures completely in about a day. Pull your masking tape off after the stuff skins, and before it cures completely. Trim off excess with a single edge razor blade (carefully)

Hope this helps

Paul Jacobson