Seriously, why do we have to use TAPE?

[kevinpratt823]

With all the technology out there, why the heck do I have to use tape on these hatches? Did they not realize I would be removing them every time I run it to change the batteries? Couldn't they build in some kind of seal? Is it just me?

Sorry, I had to vent a bit.

[stadiumyamaha]

Or at least make the hatch rectangular with flats on both the hull and hatch side. Also with no handles or locks close to the taped area. See geico hatch handles.

[ksm2001]

You can make a rubber seal around the hull opening for the hatch to seal on and use some type of fastener to secure it, but for many of us tape is the easiest way to go and seems the most water resistant yet. When my boat is doing 50+ mph and flips, a lot of pressure could force water past a seal. Tape is going across both the hatch and hull and I would say minimizes the chance of a leak the most.
Tape is cheap, the only problem I have is leaving the hardware store with just the tape.

[Shooter]

Unfortunately, large openings don't lend themselves to easy seals. The large perimeter/area of the seal requires a lot of clamp load which simply isn't possible with a couple hatch locks, etc... Any twist of the hull will cause a leak path. Unless you want to have 40 hatch locks and/or screws around the perimeter, tape is still the simplest most effective solution.

[Rumdog]

It depends on the hull and hatch. They both need to be rigid enough to not flex in a wipeout, or stuff. Then, you can use a seal and hatch screws. I like tape. still, even with locks.

[Nutbar]

with the OP. It's lame to have to tape the hatch over and over again. We can get a man on the moon but we can't make a strong, easy to use, watertight rc boat hatch? Sad...

[Jason4636]

On my fantasm, I have 4 bolts with a hatch seal on mine. Its never leaked a drop yet.
4.jpg6.JPG

On my MG I'm rebuilding, I started with a FG hatch. Then reinforced it with a CF/Kevlar inlay. Then drilled 2 holes in the rear of the hatch, and thru the hull. Then just epoxy some bolt bosses in place. And make sure you us a rubber washer under the bolt head. And get a soft foam weather strip seal. To go on the hull where the hatch will seal down to it. Here's the MG I'm rebuilding now.
12.jpg11.jpg

[kevinpratt823]

Now that's what I'm talking about! Nice job, and killer paint!

[Jason4636]

Steve Miles at Airbrush Alley painted it. His name on here is "PROPAINTER". I'm gonna start painting the MG this weekend. If I get it done or not, depends if the wife will leave me alone enough to get it done. Its gonna be orange, silver, and black. I got it all wet sanded and ready for paint, hopefully I'm starting on it at 1 p.m. tomorrow when the wife goes to work.
15.jpg14.jpg13.jpg

On the second pic, I got alittle primer over spray the other day. Before I put the motor in it. O'well this is gonna be my play boat anyways.
I know the hatch bolts on the fantasm work great. When I was running it the other day. I flipped it upside down. And it sat like that for a good 2-3 minutes till I got out to it. Not a drop came in.

[dana]

Steve Miles at Airbrush Alley painted it. His name on here is "PROPAINTER". I'm gonna start painting the MG this weekend. If I get it done or not, depends if the wife will leave me alone enough to get it done. Its gonna be orange, silver, and black. I got it all wet sanded and ready for paint, hopefully I'm starting on it at 1 p.m. tomorrow when the wife goes to work.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]85865[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]85864[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]85863[/ATTACH]

On the second pic, I got alittle primer over spray the other day. Before I put the motor in it. O'well this is gonna be my play boat anyways.
I know the hatch bolts on the fantasm work great. When I was running it the other day. I flipped it upside down. And it sat like that for a good 2-3 minutes till I got out to it. Not a drop came in.

I see you went ahead and primed the whole boat...

[dana]

with the OP. It's lame to have to tape the hatch over and over again. We can get a man on the moon but we can't make a strong, easy to use, watertight rc boat hatch? Sad...

If NASA was designing FE boats, then yes, I'm sure they could make a tape less hatch. By "we" you mean who exactly? Lol I assume youre including yourself in putting men on the moon, in which case you must have the smarts to design the tape less hatch....

[Jason4636]

I see you went ahead and primed the whole boat...

Yea I said the hell with it and just primed the whole thing.

[HTVboats]

Making a hatch that seals well will take as was stated before a ridgid deck and hatch which will add weight and cost that you won't like either. Way back I remember we used plumbers putty to seal radio boxes. (messy) Someone came along and discovered tape was light,fast and simple and less likely to leak over all the foams,silicones and rubber seals.
Mic

[dana]

Making a hatch that seals well will take as was stated before a ridgid deck and hatch which will add weight and cost. Way back I remember we used plumbers putty to seal radio boxes. (messy) Someone came along and discovered tape was light,fast and simple and less likely to leak over all the foams,silicones and rubber seals.
Mic

on another note, plumbers putty works awesome for sealing hardware when installing on new boat. much better than silicone imo

[lenny]

I made my own to,
But hears some kits.
http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...more-tape!!!**
http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...bolt-down-kits