Drop board leaks in blowing rain

[doug]

I am just about finished refinishing a new drop board to replace the one that came with my cp -16. When fitting the new board I noticed gaps at the top of both sides of the board were water can be blown into the cabin with the board down and the hatch pulled shut. Is this just my 16 or is it common? Has anyone figured out a simple method of plugging the leaks (I leave it in the slip during the week so I could plug it with plastic since I don't have to look at it; However, I would like to find an elegant solution if someone has thought of it since others do look at it).

[DOUG142]

Doug,
Great name by the way.  The little spaces at the upper corners of the hatch board are common.  I made a new one just this past week and added little "ears" to fill in the gap some.  Another solution is to put your hasp lower so it pulls the board UP into the recease under the lip to the sliding top when locked.  Make sure your board is long enough and you do not end up with a gap at the bottom edge. 

Has to be REALLY REALLY blowing the rain hard to get in now.   SMILE

Good luck

Doug142,  CP16, Hull number 1994
Summer Escape

[mrb]

Hi
Previous owner of my 16, "At Eaze" had same problem. He fixed by making new board with what I can best describe as ears on upper corners.  At top of teak rails on each side of companionway the new board overhand about 1/2" ( gel- coat now hidden).  The board follows the contour of the sliding hatch guide then have  arched top to match arc of sliding hatch.  When boat is all buttoned up none of the fiber glass shows around the hatch board. We have some hard blowing rain in Arkansas and so far no leaks.  I will try to get a picture of board on this site.

Good luck on your fix
Melvin