Hatch Water Deflector

Capt. Jack Morrow

65’ Viking Boys-R-Us

Skill Level 2-star

Supplies Needed: 1-inch PVC Board, Primer and Paint

Hatch leaks can be frustrating and most captains prefer to never use them due to the possibility of leaks after using them. Some captains will go as far as turning the hatch around so the opening will face aft to avoid a rough ocean swell from washing over the bow and forcing water into a hatch. Captain Jack Morrow explained that turning a hatch around defeats the purpose of having them as the wind will not pass through for to aft. Captain Morrow devised a simple fix to deflect water intrusion. Starting with a 1-inch thick PVC board the hatch edge was cut to form a water deflector. The PVC was then primed and painted and fastened down with a marine adhesive after preparing the deck surface.