REpair rear hatch damage

[big_b16]

I've got a Skeeter SX200. Under the edge of main battery access hatch the deck is not flush on the fiberglass and it looks like the edge of the hatch is eating away at fiberglass. There was some sand in the carpet which would have made things worse, but even when it is closed and latched in the middle, the edges near the gunwales are not flush with the fiberglass surface (about 3/16" gap). As a result, when someone stands on it, it flexes and makes a creaking noise as it bottoms on the fiberglass. There is a decent groove through the paint/gel coat and bare fiberglass is showing one one side (under the hatch...the edge of the hatch is digging in). Should I just fill it with marine tex and re-carpet or is there something else I need to do? Thanks.

[ProcraftMike]

I the hatch flush with the deck, once it is closed, or does is sit higher. If it sits higher, you may have to take it off and reposition the hinge.

[big_b16]

The part by the latch sits flush (when it's pushed down). I think changing the hinge location might do the trick. I'll have to look at the piano hinge more next time I'm in it. The whole back part of it is off the deck. When I latch it, the latch will secure it to the bottom, but the sides are still up a bit (flexing the hatch when latched). I'll have to punt until spring...don't really want to pull it out of storage for a few days to do that. Hopefully there is just some stuff keeping the hinge from closing down all the way, like a few loose screws.
Will the marinetex fix the grooves sufficiently...it's not seen unless you open the hatch.

[ProcraftMike]

Yes, you should be able to use Marine Tex to repair the grooves.