Mark - re: V-berth Leak
Mark - with regard to the leak in the V-berth area, I'd like to know what the signs are (is it currently leaking or are there just some old water stains and the like). If it's old stains, warped plywood, etc., but it's currently dry, then the leak can be from the chain locker. Look up under the deck where the chain locker pan meets the underside of the deck and you'll see it is NOT sealed! When plowing to weather in waves water will be forced up the chain locker drain hole (or over the deck) and fill the locker. Any surplus water will go over the edge of the pan and into the inside of the boat! This is something an owner can fix. Don't ask me how because I haven't really fixed mine nicely yet. I tried using sealant and made a mess. One of these days I'll rip the sealant mess out and re-do it. If the leak is on-going, and depending where it is, there are a few other potential sources: 1. Holes for the furler lines that go through the deck. In any event these need to be epoxy-sealed to prevent water from entering the core. 2. Forward Hatch: This should be re-bedded or, as a minimum, put a new bead of sealant all around. If the leak stops that's your source. The screws on the aft side of the hatch (closest to the mast) shoud be removed and the hole filled with sealant too. Again, if the leak stops that's your source. 3. Running Light Wires: Where the wires go through the pulpit there is a small half-inch stainless tube welded to the one-inch pulpit. Where this tube meets the deck it should be sealed. If it isn't then water can flow downhill following the wire - which, by the way, travels along the underside of the deck and into - you guessed it - the V-berth. Another trick is to put a drip-loop in the wire where it is inside the chain locker. There may be other leak sources but those are the ones I've found. Other Leak Sources: Check the genoa track and the ports (check for water damage inside the electrical panel or around the back of the chart table and on the port side in the galley shelf area above the stove). Another leak area is at the rear of the aft cabin. This leak is caused by water running down the wires from the helm. EASY fix - just add some sealant where the wires penetrate through the fiberglass at the base of the helm. Running Lights: It's probably time to replace them anyway. Did you mention something earlier about the wires? Although I'v never done it, I don't think it too difficult to replace the running light wires in the pulpit. If you do then I'd recommend using only marine-grade and tinned wires. None of that cheap automotive stuff - it corrodes. Replace the lenses because they are probably crazed and maybe even faded. The running lights really take a hit because they're out there in the salt spray. Use dielectric grease on all the screws and bulb contacts to reduce corrosion. Skylights: I've posted on this before so see if you can find my posts. I've been able to fix the leaks so if you can't find my old posts then drop me a line. Electrical: I'v got four golfcarts in the same location as the old pair of group 24s. It's a tight fit but it can be done and it's a super upgrade! If you want to do this, again, drop me a line. The OEM electrical panel is really good but depending on what you want to add there are some approaches to keep everything in good order. Plan to upgrade the cables from the batteries to the main panel - the existing are WAY too small - and, they aren't marine grade so therefore they will be corroded. If you plan to add a windlass now would be the time to plan for the electrical. I haven't done it yet but I've got it all figured out. Winches: I installed Lewmar 43s in lieu of the old 24s and moved the Maxell 24s aft for use with flying sails. Hope you find a nice one because they're a really great boat.
