Proper way to seal fittings mounted on wood

Feb 12, 2011
33
Allied Luders 33 Toronto
I have a Genoa track that is mounted on top of the teak toerail, and this is a constant leaking point. What would the best way to seal the bolts that go thru the track, 2 inch teak toerail, the fibreglass and to the backing plate below?
I thought of butyl, but where? I also thought of filling the bolt cavity with Sikaflex then inserting the bolt, but this will push everything down when the bolt is inserted. The track is held by countersink bolts, easy to seal at the track, but there are the track to wood and wood to fibreglass joints.
My plan B is to remove the teak toerail section at this point and mount the track directly on the fibreglass. I'll appreciate any advice.
 
Jan 22, 2008
551
NorSea 27 Az., Doing the To-Do list
Think Dolphinite! Under the track and in the bolt holes and behind the washer under the deck.

Works wonders!


Greg
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
For a start, chamfer the holes in the wood so it retains the sealant, making a gasket, of sorts.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
For a start, chamfer the holes in the wood so it retains the sealant, making a gasket, of sorts.
Ditto!

Problem is you have two places to seal, deck to wood then wood to track.. Best to seal each independently rather than to try doing both at the same time... I have many items bedded to wood using Bed-It Tape and no leaks. 80% of the job is usually in the process....
 
Feb 12, 2011
33
Allied Luders 33 Toronto
Thank you all for the replies.

Think Dolphinite! Under the track and in the bolt holes and behind the washer under the deck.Greg
Greg, apparently Dolphinite is popular with the wooden boat guys, but not being one of them, how does it compare with the Sika products, or, why would I not use Sika in the track to wood joint?

Maine Sail - I will need to remove the track and rebed for sure, but will not be able to remove the toe rail to re install, so I cannot tackle them independently.

I am still contemplating Plan B, which is to remove the toe rail and mount the track on the deck. The issue is, under load, the track on the wood will always "move" a bit and with time it may open something up and water will find its way in.

But my Plan A is: after the track is removed, put a bevel on the wood (toe rail) holes, bed the track with 3 strips (side to side) of Butyl tape, then insert the bolts thru, remove the butyl that was pushed down from the threads below deck, roll up a "joint" like piece of butyl and wrap it around the bolts head which is just proud of the track. Push the bolt down and tighten it being careful not to let the head move. Would that work?