Gap between canopy skin (C-01418) and forward top skin (F-01471)

[bertschb]

I just started working on the canopy and I'm curious what happens to the gap between the canopy skin (C-01418) and the forward top skin (F-01471). Compared to all the other gaps between skins, this one is pretty large for clearance between the skins when opening/closing the canopy. There is that gap and the area around the hinges. I've browsed through the plans trying to figure out if these gaps get covered up later but couldn't find anything.

Are these gaps just left open for rain to drip through? Seems like a bad place for water right above the avionics area. Clearly I'm missing something, right????

 

[bjdecker]

There're small clips that cover the hinge gaps and provides a base for the seal material -- See page 38-36 . But you're right; the front seal on tip-up canopies is a weak spot and prone to leaking.

In flight, the lower cabin pressure caused by Bernoulli's Principle "sucks in" the air+whatever-is-with-it through the gaps in the seal in this area.

The next opportunity for water incursion is when/if you open the canopy after a good rain and there's water on it. Open canopy and *splooosh*, all the water runs down into the front bays.

 

[bertschb]

There're small clips that cover the hinge gaps and provides a base for the seal material -- See page 38-36 .

Thanks Brian. I missed that when scanning forward in the plans. Water running into front bays...with $50,000+ in avionics in there????

BTW, your extensive knowledge about all things RV is amazing.

 

[Halleffect]

The front canopy seal is pretty thick. So thick that setting it back the specified distance from the edge will cause it to ooze into the gap and be visible when the canopy is closed. I think there's a comment about it in the Wiki. I did mine twice, moving it back a 1/16" so that it doesn't bulge out of the gap.