Dorade Problems, Mast Corrosion

[Tom Hadoulias]

I'm in the process of purchasing an 81 37 Cutter and following the survey I have discovered a couple of "Extra" problems. I have been following this forum for some time and the resulting knowledge has given me some keen insight as to what to look for. While inserting my hand into the inner opening of the cabin liner dorade vents, I was greeted with a handfull of rotten plywood on both dorade openings. I immediately went topside to determine if any soft spots could be located on the deck area surrounding the vents and found a small area outboard of the port vent showing slight sofening. The starboard side appeared OK. My question is, what are some of the repair options after stopping the leaks, obviously there is some wood damage in the core, will a dryout period and an epoxy repair stop the rotting process? or does significant structual rework need to take place to stop the degenerative process. Secondly, I noticed the mast step area filling with water, apparently coming from the mast itself as all bilge areas fore and aft are completely dry as well as the liner seal. The mast and step are corroded in the area and although it doesn't appear to be a stuctual problem yet I would appreciate any inputs,Thanks,Tom

 

[Mike Alge]

rotten core

Tom: I have 1979 37C and I to had a lot of saturated and rotten core . Mine was in the cabin sides however. In the dorade boxes I do not think that the plywood contributes all that much to the strenght so you would OK if you removed the rotted wood and filled the void with thickened epoxy or Marinetex. Use coat hangers, bent screwdrivers, or anything else that you can to rake out all of the bad wood and then just start packing the filler in. If you find wet or rotted core in the deck or cabin side areas , then that is a whole new ball game . One that will require a major approach. I know because I have had to do it. The 37C is worth the effort it will take to solve the problems it has.Good Luck

 

[Ed Schenck]

Mast leaks.

Hi Tom,My 37C mast also leaks. My boat is covered for the winter and I'll have an additional inch of water when I next go and check. But it runs through the entire bilge, my mast step area is not isolated. So the regular bilge pump takes care of it. I sealed the track this winter but have not noticed a difference. I have never been to the top of the mast to see how open it is.As for moisture damage you really should check the entire top deck with a meter. I have some behind the mast and around the starboard stays. I'll eventually cut out the decking, replace the core, and reglass. I think the area around the dorade boxes is compromised by the traveller for the staysail. There's a lot of stress on that track and I think it is just screwed down. But like Mike says, it's worth the effort.