Genoa Track Removal

[Zoom767]

Good Day Everyone,

I own a 1990 Hunter 35.5 Legend and I am experiencing a leak in my head behind the shower wall, as well as along the wall behind the sink. This leak is reddish-brown in colour and what was originally thought of as being glue which attaches the liner to the outside hull is now suspected to be rust possibly emanating from the screws securing the genoa track.

The reason I suspect this is that I had all windows removed and re-sealed by a professional company. They were not comfortable in removing the genoa track as they were not sure how the screws were bolted into the hull (i.e. are there nuts and washers under the screws which would require to be held secure when removing the screw? If so, this would require cutting through the hard plastic liner in the ceiling.)

I have taken the 'ugly' decision to cut into the hard plastic liner in an unobtrusive area in the head to have a look at one of the screw locations where it comes through the top of the boat. It "appears" that there is some sort of metal receptacle embedded into the fibreglass which houses the screw from above. If this is the case, then it would negate the requirement to cut my ceiling the entire length of the track as I could simply remove all screws from above deck. My plan would be to assume that the leak was coming from the thread of the screw(s) and I would apply a sealant to every screw and re-install into each receptacle.

I realize that there may be a leak from the metal receptacle; however, this would definitely require the undesirable aesthetics of cutting the ceiling in order to drill out the holes.

Has anyone had experience in this area? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Rob

 

[kloudie1]

Rob, the brown stuff is usually because of the water leak travelling through wooden coring .. Could be coming in from a port leaking or could be entering under the track screw head (s) and getting into the core .. but it could be coming from any deck penetration above the level where you are seeing the leak.. like a handhold bolt or a block base..

 

[Zoom767]

Thanks!,

That is what I thought as well (it has to be coming from something in the area that penetrates above deck.)

The only things that meet this criteria are the windows and the genoa track. I've taken care of the windows by having them removed and re-installed with new sealant. The only other thing that can be the issue are the screws which hold down the genoa track.

I'm just trying to ascertain exactly how they are bolted into the deck. If I can just remove the screws -- great. If not, I will have to be cutting into the plastic header which encapsulates the entire roof of the boat on the inside. This will make the inside look like a "patch-job".

I can't believe they would design something which -- if needed replacement -- would be completely inaccessible

 

[jdhohmann]

I resealed my Genoe track this spring. With the hunter 40 anyway, there is an aluminum plate embedded in fibreglass.. Each screw needed to be removed with a large #4 Phillips . Some come out fairly easy with Dewalt Impact, some needed a special tool that you hot with a hammer and a phillips bit, that turns very slightly on every hit. This would allow it to loosen up the screw enough to use the impact gun on it. Once all screws are removed, remove track and clean properely both the track base and the fibreglass bed, them using Butyl tape, re-bed the track, maybe needing some new screws, and reseat and re-tighten... Sounds pretty easy and it was as long as you have the right tools...

 

[Zoom767]

Thank you very much for the info. I cut into the liner in the head and managed to get a view of one screw from below. I believe I have the same system as you.

I have air tools as well as a manual impact driver and I will proceed as you suggested. You have alleviated my concern of removing the screws only to find there were locking nuts on the underside which are inaccessible without cutting through the roof liner.

Thank you again for taking the time to pass on the information, it is very much appreciated.
Rob