Hatch Tape vs 3M electrical tape

[DesignerDan]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the two? I'm using 3M clear electrical to tape a lexan hatch down and I'm getting a lot of water in the hull. I pressure tested the hull and there is no leaks so the water has to be coming in where the tape overlaps at the corners. There is quite a bit of water after only 5 minutes. Do you think actual "hatch tape" will help with this issue?

[Steven Vaccaro]

Its probably not the tape.

I had a problem with my sons boat last week. It turns out he must have hit the water outlet with the battery pack, because there was a slit in the tubing.

[DesignerDan]

Well it's an outrigger airboat so the motor is outside the hull and there is no water cooling inside the hull. So I don't know what else it could be.

[z400]

If its more then a few drops then i highly doubt it is the tape.
You would have to have some pretty big gaps where the tape over laps for it to leak a significant amount.

[DesignerDan]

it's about a half a cup of water after 5 mins. Any other ideas?

[DesignerDan]

Here's what it looks like:

[Flying Scotsman]

You must have a leak in the hull, did you pressure test with all the assembled components as shown and totally putting the hull under water and for how long?...interesting boat by the way... as an aside hockey tape is the best tape

Douggie

[DesignerDan]

I dunked the whole boat as is underwater and pumped air into the antenna tube and the only bubbles came from the corners of the hatch where the tape overlaps. If I press my fingers on those points I am able to pump enough air to blow off the hatch.

[z400]

Wow

half a cup?
Thats...alot!

[DesignerDan]

I can't tell if you’re being sarcastic but I’ll assume you are. I don’t think you understand that the hull is only 1-1/2 inches tall and the amount of water in there is enough to flood over the receiver. I don’t like it when a $100 receiver gets wet.

[z400]

No sarcasm here.

Half of cup of water is alot of water in any r/c boat period.
Rather its nitro or FE, youve got a leak and you need to find it. lol

[Flying Scotsman]

Next time start up the motor and submerge the hull, the vibration may be causing the problem.

Douggie

[MarkF]

Electric tape is no were near as good as hockey tape. You need to use the proper tape.

Mark

[BakedMopar]

I've had more loose and leaking hatches with hockey tape. I use clear electrical tape GE brand.

[785boats]

The tape might not be sticking properly because of the fuel & oil on your hands getting on the hull, hatch, & tape as you handle everything. Perhaps?

Just a thought.
Paul.