sealing fish boxes......

[Laukia]

This time I think I got it right. I came across a gasket material used for sound/heat insulation for engine rooms and hatches etc. They make various sizes and shapes including this small D shape:



I ran it all the way around the rim just below the top edge:



I followed this up by putting 3/4"w x 1/4" thickness weatherstipping from West Marine under the lip of the box itself:



I also filed off about 3/4" of the bottom of the corner that fits over the gutter/drain hole. No leaks into the bilges. Thanks to whoever it was on this site that posted the ideas. It just took me awhile to get it right.

[CClassic28]

fishbox seals

Laukia,

You are more than welcome! That is what this site is all about. Now take it one step futher and install the 1/4" D shape weatherseal to the underside of the hatch and no nasty water from the deck will wind up with your catch. It takes about 1 week for the gasket to compress and the hatch to sit flush but it is worth the wait. Lastly, if you do this rember when you pump out the box to open the hatch it or else you will create a strong vacuum in the box which may or may not effect the life of the macerator.

Chris

[Capt B]

Laukia,

Where did you get the gasket? Do you know the manufacturer?

[Laukia]

gasket material........

Thanks Chris.

Captain B......the manufacturer of the gasket is Sound Waves. They are a noise reduction specialist. The owner is Todd Terray and he can be reached at 949 378 9991. They also have a website:

https://www.soundwavessocal.com

[Split Decision]

I guess that was one good improvement that Mac made when he siliconed the boxes in.

Nice fix.

[Capt B]

Tom,

On the 28's - the fish boxes have to be removable to get to the fuel filters, the battery charger, the rudder posts, the trim tab motor and reservoir, the hydraulic motor and reservoir that lifts the engine hatch. and the shaft logs. It would be a dream to have them "water tight".

[Little Dandy]

Capt B.

There were some design changes recently (past year or so) in the 28. Longer engine room. No fish box in the transom (yea, for us great lakes guys who fish with downriggers). Sealed in deck fish boxes. New layout of seating area including built in storage. Access to rudder area thru in deck hatch. I'm sure a bunch of other things too this is just what I noticed. Looks like a great boat made even better from my perspective.

--Mike

[Capt B]

Mike,

That's great news - I was not aware of that.