Chain plate leaks and bulkheads

[Indysailor]

This afternoon I looked at an Oday 23 today to purchase. It's a pretty sound boat in most ways. We were impressed with the overall condition of the boat.

One thing was a big concern.
The current owner has not done much to prevent leaks at the chain plates and the bulkheads are soft up near the cabin roof. They seem relatively sound all along the lower areas where the plate connects to the bulkheads, but the top of the bulkhead where the chain plates come through is quite soft and moist. I could push my finger into the wood.

To me, it seemed kind of alarming to feel how soft it was up there.
I'm wondering how serious of a problem this is and what I might be looking at in terms of repair.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Shoaldrafter]

how serious of a problem

This afternoon I looked at an Oday 23 today to purchase. It's a pretty sound boat in most ways. We were impressed with the overall condition of the boat.

One thing was a big concern.
The current owner has not done much to prevent leaks at the chain plates and the bulkheads are soft up near the cabin roof. They seem relatively sound all along the lower areas where the plate connects to the bulkheads, but the top of the bulkhead where the chain plates come through is quite soft and moist. I could push my finger into the wood.

To me, it seemed kind of alarming to feel how soft it was up there.
I'm wondering how serious of a problem this is and what I might be looking at in terms of repair.

Thanks for your help!

Indysailor asked "how serious problem is this?" Serious it is.

However, this is a common problem for O'Day boats. (and other brands that have thru deck chain plates).

Unfortunately the cure is expensive if you have a yard do it.

The fix is new bulkheads and probably repair of the space between deck and hull liner. This has been done by several members of this forum in the last few years. Study archives for bulkhead replacement or repair.

If you are a do it your selfer, this repair is doable. If you have a yard do it correctly, it will exceed the cost of the boat.

I am sure you will get several other replies in the next few days. In the meantime, search the archieves.

Ed K
26

 

[Indysailor]

Thanks for the reply! I am pretty handy, but not with boats and I don't have enough time to take on a bulkhead replacement. We sailed it this afternoon and fell in love with the boat and the way it handled.
It's a shame- if the owner would have just taken the time to take better care of this one problem, she would be minus a boat right now.

 

[yakman]

chainplate repair

I own a 26 ftr oday with the same bulkhead problems inherent to most oday's. My boat is a 1985 anniversary edition and I was told a yard repair would exceed the value of the boat too. I spoke with the yard manager and together we came up with a repair for now. A replacement is within my means to do myself but time is another thing .

I took a piece of G10 and laminated it to the bulkhead ,thru bolted th chainplate to it with longer s/s bolts and locknuts and more G10 on the opposite side also thru bolting everything,finally tied that all into the existing fiberglass tabbing . I sailed all summer and never had a problem.

Most important is to watch for the leak , check often and with a flashlight.

 

[emergpa1]

Ed K speaks great truth. However, only regarding sailboats. he is quiet innocent when it comes to public policy or life in general.

Digs aside, unless u are looking for a project on the order of restoring a vintage automobile ( translation; thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours, find another boat)! On the other hand if u have a well equiped shop, time, and some cash, I think restoration is a very fulfilling pastime. But, ONLY If!

Just check her out real well and best of luck,
Keith

 

[emergpa1]

If u see that damage be warned it is only the tip of the iceburg! There will be more rot more leaks bad wires seized bolts worn winches. But with that disclosed I am really enjoying restoring. My girl. I have deeppockets and fair skills, better than average free time.....still quite the challenge!
if you give to the boat, u get back, but you have to give more than u expect. Best of luck

 

[Larry14187]

Replacing Bulkheads is a Big Job, But Managable

I replaced bulkheads on our 1985 oday 23. Its a tedious but not too difficult job. You need to know your way around all sorts of tools and it helps to have a friend around to help. Basically one day to remove bulkheads. one day to make templates and cut new BH"s, and one day to install. Of course this actually translated into two weeks of work with a few hours here and there.
Try to get 1/2 inch teak marine plywood, pricey ($200 or so, but worth the cost)
If the boat in in good shape otherwise and the right (cheap) price I'd not be intimidated by BH Replacement...

 

[emergpa1]

Re: Replacing Bulkheads is a Big Job, But Managable

dont forget a day or two to sand, stain, dry and apply finish! but i agree overall not a difficult project. there should be plenty of posts that address that specifically for oday boats addressing things such as jacking the cabin roof up a little, etc.
keith