V-berth hatches coating inside hull

G

goldpan

New member
We took the big step and cut out the access holes in the v-berth. Good
news was that it was not entirely filled with foam, probably 1/2
full.....bad news is that we found some water in there. May be from the
anchor locker(which does not appear to have drain). We are getting ready to paint the inside and wonder if
anyone has used, or know if, elastomeric roof primer will work for this
application. The premise is that it is waterproof and will seal up any cracks, etc, which would take care of any leaking from the anchor locker.
It would also provide some "cushioning" for items stored, some insulating
and possibly soundproofing properties. We are looking at Elasto-Seal
primer from KST Coatings. I have emailed the company a few times to see if
their product is appropriate for this use, but no response. It is finally
warming up and we would like to get the inside of the hull painted this
weekend. Any info about this would be greatly appreciated.

Reel Knotty First Mate
 
When I did mine a few years ago I used two part epoxy and coated the entire bottom area of the hull. I was mixing up batches to do the edges of the cuddy hatch holes, the new lazarette hatch holes, and etc., so I had it handy. Also my boat had one hole drilled too deep under the brass stem guard. That had long since been well repaired but I figured what the heck apply some epoxy on the inside. I then painted the entire underberth area with a latex paint (I think) but it could have been a one part epoxy paint. I then cut a piece of indoor outdoor carpeting to fit the hull and sides and pushed and pulled it into place. Right below the three hatches where I store some heavier stuff like spare props, equipment, storm anchor, I also put down some foam doormats. Since I fixed the stem guard years ago no water has ever come into this underberth area and I like the storage and access.

My anchor locker had a drain but there was potential for water to get into the cuddy. Lot of threads on this. Water could get in between the anchor locker and the outer hull and find its way down to that under-bunk cuddy area. If that is your problem painting the under-bunk area would not be as good as painting the anchor locker area and installing a drain. I installed a SS tube thru the hull, epoxied on both ends, and then I painted the inside of the anchor locker with a one part epoxy paint and it has stayed crack free and drains well. I have a piece of dri deck in there under the rode.

My suggestion would be to try and pinpoint the source of the water. If necessary fix that. Without the water problem paint that cuddy with something that smells good and soundproof it however you like.

Wasn't removing that foam fun?

Regards, Mark
 
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