Hi All,

I am in the process of setting a new beta 75 in our boat and was wondering what has worked well or the best for resealing the engine hatch after removal. I will clean the mating areas well and was thinking of making a gasket out of closed cell foam and use possibly 4200 around the bolts, etc. I preferably do not want to seal it entirely with 4200 or the like b/c it would be impossible to separate the hatch if needed. Could also put a bead of 4200 on each side of the gasket. Any and all suggestions, thoughts are greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance.

George

W42 Cadence

I too have installed a BETA 75 in our W42 (Second Line), about four years ago.

You will be very happy with your engine choice!  Will be curious to know what prop you decide to use.

The cockpit sole plate (engine hatch) was successfully sealed by first bolting in place and then caulk the gap from the underside Sika Flex. We used through bolts spaced at 6 inch intervals with fender washers and caulked those as well. No leaks so far and if we do ever need to remove the plate it should be much easier to part the Sika Flex than 4200!

You may want to verify that the cockpit drains/bedding are in good shape as you cannot remove two of three of these w/o having to lift the sole plate.

Best, Tom G New Orleans

Bud, Tom, Doug,

Thanks for the your thoughts, experience with the hatch. I think that I will use a combination of a closed cell foam gasket and Sika Flex… Tom good point about the 2 cockpit drains !! I was so busy with the engine room, doing some insulation, re wire, etc. that I did not think of the drains. 

Tom and Doug what size prop shafts and props do you have? I believe the one on Cadence is 1 1/8. 

For now, I am probably staying with the original prop, but was thinking of a Max prop and perhaps changing to an 1 1/4 prop shaft since that seems to be more of a standard size.

Also, a little change of subject, but part of this system overhaul. Are both of you using your original pedestals ? Mine is a Yacht Specialities and parts are hard to come by, like brake parts. I did have a new plate machined that goes on the underside of the hatch. Are you using the old or have perhaps Edson pedestals ?

I need to look more closely at the brake parts in the Yacht Specialities and see if I can make necessary parts… Or if it is with it in the long run.

Thanks,

George

Also...We have the original Yacht Specialties pedestal...

While you have things apart you should inspect all the chain links hidden fromm view inside the pedestal for cracks/damage.

Our chain drive had several broken side links on the chain we discovered after the chain had parted under load when backing up.

Tom

Not sure if this is applicable to anyone else's situation but I have 2 props: one folding and one fixed both 3 blades.

The folding is much better for more than just reduced drag.  Also reduced vibration while sailing.  The fixed prop turns and causes some vibration whereas the folding prop is much quieter.  Yes it turns but not much.  Something to think about in addition to the 1/2 knot.  That's about all the extra speed over ground I get with the folding prop but it still helps!!!