PDQ OWNERS FORUM

Couple of days ago we noticed a horrible smell on the boat and found a dead rat caught in between the slider and the slider cover. Next day we pulled the slider cover off and cleaned what was left of the poor devil. The slider cover is now in the garage as it was pretty ugly and needs to be faired and painted before reinstall. Been tearing the boat apart and taking everything home to be washed and sorted while looking for any evidence of other unwanted visitors but haven't seen anything else.

What I'd like to do is put in a seal of some type to keep out critters like this and wasps etc... Was thinking something like a row of bristles that would "sweep" the slider as it moves. Maybe a very thin version also under the slider itself?
Any thoughts or ideas?

Tom

Tom,

Our boat has such a row of bristles. I can't get a photo right now but it looks like weatherstripping and is about 1/2 inch width total with about 1/4 inch bristles. It has a very light surface rust pitting on the metal portion so I suppose it is not "marine grade".

We have only had the boat for three years so I don't know how long before it will need replacing.

I hope that helps.

Dan Haun
TomKat
PDQ32

Thanks Dan! Now I know such a product exists.

Anyone have ideas on where to find it? Or even what it might be called?

They are refered to as "sweeps" or "brush seals."

http://www.mcmaster.com/#door-sweeps/=rkal0h

Pemko is a major manufacturer.

I've been working on re-fairing then painting the slider hood. (Only took me five years to get around to it). When I go to reinstall it should I add sealant or just the screws to hold it down? When I removed it there was silicone sealant glueing it down but I'm not sure that's needed.

Any thoughts?