Marlin Aft Deck access

[ttles714]

Has anyone done any modification to the aft deck hatch on a Marlin.. I like the access with the whole door removed but don't want to keep removing screws and re-caulking ...

 

[DennisG01]

Without the caulk, obviously you will get rainwater and any water that may/could backfeed through the scuppers (if that's an issue on your boat) down into the bilge. You could build a gutter system that ties into one of the deck drains if you wanted. For the hatch, a couple hinges and whatever style pull you like to lift it.

 

[Fishtales]

It isn't optimal that's for sure. Corrected on new boats now. I just cut the caulk out and re-do it every year. Just did it today. Why it was ever done like that is beyond me.

 

[g0tagrip]

Yes, I added a hatch to access the fuel/water separators. Send me your email address and I can email the pictures to you.
My email address is:
g0tagrip33@gmail.com

 

[ttles714]

I have been experimenting in a "T" shape kind of gasket that covers the gap on both sides... so far its still a work in process ... Ideally I would like to find an almond silicon rubber T shape gasket // The vertical leg of the T fits into the gap and the top of the T overlaps the hatch and the deck.. I found a black rubber gasket on e-bay .. I can get it to work but not over joyed with it .. It is black rubber. The search continues !!!!!!

 

[DennisG01]

It's funny you mention that - the T-gasket. When I built a hatch (from scratch when I rebuilt/redesigned the cockpit floor) I thought of that, as well. I had figured that over time, it would pull up and not fit really tight - if there was even an 1/8" gap, that would still allow a lot of water to flow in. I also worried about it being a tripping hazard if it started to lift. How have those things been?

Did you attach it to the hatch (glue it/screw it on) or are you just stuffing it into place? I would imagine that glueing/screwing might keep it flatter over time?

 

[ttles714]

prototype #1 ... is glued to the hatch itself ... Contact cement The top of the "T" lays tight to the deck. The gasket comes off with the hatch..... I don't think tripping is an issue .. I purchased a cheap-o gasket to experiment with and found some flaws, maybe not so much in the gasket but in the way I did it ... I am going to try another and r- fit it a little differently .. I don't mind using the screws to hold the hatch in place, although I am looking at some latching hardware. I am still fooling around with a couple of Idea's and I want to try to get a look at a newer Grady that has a smarter set up. A Grady retro kit would be nice but I won't hold my breath ! i REFUSE TO CAULK IT !!!! LOL !!!

 

[Angler Management]

If screw holes are caulked, what is the downside of getting the bilge wet through this unsealed hatch? I have always planned on this being wet, on our multi day trips we use a saltwater washdown 10X/ day, theres minor corrosion here and there, but I've tried to keep it sparkling.

I may remove that hatch several times a month for some reason or other.

What am I missing?

 

[SkunkBoat]

I have same issue with 265 express. That deck lid covers the 2 oil tanks, the aft bilge pump, the wash down pump and live well pump and their valves.

I want to be able to get in there easily.

The problem isn't rainwater so much as its saltwater from using the saltwater wash down.
Saltwater corrodes the oil pumps


I just ordered a 13 x23 Tempress deck hatch. Going to do some repair to the core of the deck lid and cut a big hole and add a hinged hatch.
Ordered a tub that fits in the hatch for extra storage.

 

[Meanwhile]

Tuna blood in the bilge will make you puke after a couple days.

 

[SkunkBoat]

been there.... :lol: :lol:

 

[Angler Management]

I hear ya there too on the stink factor. Normally requires a mid-trip bleachfest.

 

[ttles714]

Skunkboat .... How did you make out with that hatch and storage container... I am finding that my 2007 Marlin ( with genset) has less deck and cockpit storage than my 2001 Marlin did.. I am trying to find a place to store fenders and stern anchor. I would like to keep that aft cooler as a cooler...this boat new to me and have not even launched yet so playing around with things ... north east weather has been crap !! .

Still working on the T gasket ... not happy with that result !!

 

[SkunkBoat]

Skunkboat .... How did you make out with that hatch and storage container... I am finding that my 2007 Marlin ( with genset) has less deck and cockpit storage than my 2001 Marlin did.. I am trying to find a place to store fenders and stern anchor. I would like to keep that aft cooler as a cooler...this boat new to me and have not even launched yet so playing around with things ... north east weather has been crap !! .

Still working on the T gasket ... not happy with that result !!

See my post "265 mods"

 

[journeyman]

I am trying to find a place to store fenders and stern anchor.

I put a single one of these on the port and starboard bow rail and a double on the port transom to hold 4 fenders total.

I installed this on my pulpit rail to hold my fishing anchor.