Deck Leaks

[J. Larsen]

It is, I am told, not an uncommon problem for water to leak from the deck into and down the side of the boat. Has anyone successfully dealt with this problem? How?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Not common but can happen.

My own 1979 H37C seems dry. And I stay in touch with several other owners and do not hear that to be a common problem. It is possible, certainly, to have leaks but usually it is the portlights not the deck to hull connection. If you suspect a hull-deck leak then you need to tighten all of the toerail bolts. Do this by having someone hold the bolt with a large phillips and vice-grips. Then you need a 7/16" deep socket, an extension, probably a universal, and rubber arms. I have tightened many of mine but only the easy ones. That's probably 75 percent. If you mean other leaks then there are many sources to discuss.

 

[Charlie Crews]

Alas, yes

We hit some fairly rough seas this past weedend with water coming over the bow and an occasional rail in the water situation. The Vee berth was soaked as well as water coming down the bulkheads in the salon.I had this situation several years ago and sealed the toe rail/deck area with silicon - also put some over the screw heads on the toe railing. Guess it is time to go over it again.The only correct way I can think to stop the leaks would be remove the railings and place 101 or silicon on the deck and screw the railing back on-something I'm not going to do. There must be over 200 screws on each side (Port and Starboard)! I will remove all the old sealant, try and tighten the screws that can be reached (the nuts underneath) and reseal.Wish there was a penetrant that could be used to permanently seal the leaks, found a "leak finder/sealant" named Captain ? (forgot)at West Marine one time - way too expensive to seal 74 feet of toe rail.Good luck, let us know if you find some easier way.

 

[Richard Shelby]

Our 37 Cutter also has a few deck leaks..some of the light fixtures fill with water in heavy rains, but my fixes so far have been for naught. I had an old Catalina 27 and found the deck leaks using the "soap bubble method" to which I may have to resort.1. Tape and seal EVERY opening in the deck and hull.2. Make a cardboard or plywood insert for the main hatch which will accept the business end of a leaf blower. 3. Crank the leaf blower and pressurize the cabin.4. spray the deck with a soap solution.5. look for bubbles.It works only if you can seal everything. It will take some time to accomplish this (and probably a roll of duct tape.RS

 

[Blaise Pierson]

About ten years ago, I removed both toe rails, scraped off all the butyl rubber tape that was the rage at the time and bedded the toe rails in 5200. no leaks.