On my H-26, I'm sealing the top and bottom plates of my compression post. I have known leaks on both the top and bottom. I highly suspect one of the lower leaks is between the centerboard trunk and the steel compression post plate. Water leaked from the outer edges of the plate.
Earlier, in a boatyard, I dropped my centerboard, replaced my CB line and reattached it. Because of time limitations, I was not able seal the compression post plates while my boat was on stands and the CB dropped. Now, I've got my boat on the trailer.
I've already raised the compression post and cleaned the upper surfaces of old caulk. Before getting started on the lower end, I'd appreciate your help and opinions.
To seal the lower plate, I'm looking at 3 options:
1) Loosen the CB bolt about 1/4", pry the plate up, and pack 5200 under the slightly raised plate (and the bolt head).
2) Leave the lower plate as it is and just apply 5200 on the outside edges of the plate (and the bolt and other openings).
3) Completely remove the CB bolt and fully remove the plate and reseal the bottom surface? Even though the boat (and centerboard) is securely on a trailer, this option worries me! Would I run the risk of not being able to screw the bolt back into the centerboard bracket nut? If I couldn't start the CB bracket bolt, I'd have to drop the CB and start all over again! .... but, if it worked, it would be the best sealing method.
Which option would y'all take if it were you?
Any more options?
Thanks in advance for your help! BrianW
Earlier, in a boatyard, I dropped my centerboard, replaced my CB line and reattached it. Because of time limitations, I was not able seal the compression post plates while my boat was on stands and the CB dropped. Now, I've got my boat on the trailer.
I've already raised the compression post and cleaned the upper surfaces of old caulk. Before getting started on the lower end, I'd appreciate your help and opinions.
To seal the lower plate, I'm looking at 3 options:
1) Loosen the CB bolt about 1/4", pry the plate up, and pack 5200 under the slightly raised plate (and the bolt head).
2) Leave the lower plate as it is and just apply 5200 on the outside edges of the plate (and the bolt and other openings).
3) Completely remove the CB bolt and fully remove the plate and reseal the bottom surface? Even though the boat (and centerboard) is securely on a trailer, this option worries me! Would I run the risk of not being able to screw the bolt back into the centerboard bracket nut? If I couldn't start the CB bracket bolt, I'd have to drop the CB and start all over again! .... but, if it worked, it would be the best sealing method.
Which option would y'all take if it were you?
Any more options?
Thanks in advance for your help! BrianW
