Leaking genoa track

[Dave Z.]

Found the first interesting problem with my boat ('76 Cat 27). We thought we knew about a small leak, in a stanchion bolt, when we bought it.Wasn't the stanchion leaking, it was a bolt holding on the genoa track. No one mentioned that as a problem area, I missed it, so did the surveyor. It looks like some of the bolts holding it down are compressing the hull from the bottom side. Is there coring there? The rail runs along the very edge of the deck.Anyone rebed their genoa track? What kind of issues should I expect?Thanks in advance,Dave ZeryckCat 27 "Evergreen"Portland, OR

 

[Peter]

genoa track

Sorry, I couldn't tell you if there's any coring there, but I don't think that there is. Rebedding is easy, but I found it to be a 2 man job - with one person inside. But you should have a backing plate...it sounds to me that you don't have one. It doesn't have to be aluminum or stainless, even a $5.00 piece of hardwood like oak available at most hardware stores will do to distribute the loads. Check archives to see how to get the area cleaned before using sealant.

 

[Dave Z.]

Backing plate

That's a great idea to use wood as a backing plate. Easier to work than metal, I assume it should be coated with varnish.

 

[Peter]

backing plate

The wood should have some kind of protectant, as no matter what you do, you will eventually develop a leak again. I find wood oils easier to deal with than varnish though, and for this backing plate they are hidden. But I do recommend a hard wood, at least oak.