Front hatch leaks - Another theory!

In heavy weather, both my AI and TI take water through the front hatch. By heavy, I mean burying the bow up to the mast for 15 plus seconds at a time. This results in nearly a foot of water covering the deck and hatch. Following seas seem to be the biggest culprit. I have trimmed the plastic on the hull to insure a good seal with the hatch cover. But, I still get water.

After extensive pondering, I am going to try a different approach based on my latest theory - what if the air in the hull lifts the hatch during these extended submersions. I don't think spray is the problem. Once the hatch is lifted even a little, air escapes and is displaced with water. I also think the flow of water over the hull might also create a lifting force on the hatch, much like lift on a wing.

My sea kayaks have non-stretch webbing straps with latches to hold the hatch down. This creates a bone dry seal no matter the conditions or flexing of the hull. I am going to add these straps and latches to my front hatch to replace or augment the bungies. I just don't think the bungies create a tight enough seal.

I would be curious if anyone has tried this solution with their front hatch. If so, how did it work?

Also, is my theory "all wet?"

Yakmandu

Check on the hatch fit, especially any part of the inside seal keeping the outside seal from sealing tight. On my 2015 AI I removed the inside seal and the hatch fits fine now. I also added a plastic hook over the bungee to tighten the bungees more on days it needs it.

Other posts here on the forum have used foam on the inside lid (sounds good), and even a "shower cap" type seal like you describe. Whatever works.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I'm bothered by some of Yakmandu's comments here. My comments are in red.


MrMako at last year's Everglades Challenge did have non-stretch cam straps to secure his front hatch cover. Note that the straps are near the ends of the cover and that the cover is re-enforced. Cam straps have another problem. While the exterior of the cam clamp is zinc coated, there is an interior spring for spring-loading the cam clamp which is ordinary iron and will rust and fail fairly quickly. MrMako will be back at this year's EC. I will be interested in all his innovations.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon