For a while now, I've noticed the toe rails along the boat are leaking. At first, I considered it such a daunting job to remove and re-bed them that I didn't bother and hoped I could keep the boat cleaned-up and the woodwork inside lemon oiled enough to stay ahead of any damage. Unfortunately, the excessive rains we've had and probably letting it go this long, has made the problem much worse. I'm now faced with doing something (I'm not sure what) about it. I'm not sure I can even get to all the bolts that hold the rails on and, if I can, I'm not sure what is best to bed re-bed them with. Any suggestions? I've considered running a bead of caulk along the edge of the rails where they meet the deck but I think that might not only look bad but, in the end, not really work. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!
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H-30 leaks along rail
Lee, on the H-30 I used to have, there were leaks around the bolts along the toe rail. I found that just tightening them a turn or so eliminated the problem. Most of the nuts are accessible except those at the chain plate knees and bulkheads. Don't overlook the stanchion bolts. Many were leaking. These needed rebedding. In the end all the leaks were stopped, so don't give up. You will have extensive rotted wood and mold if you allow the leaks to continue. good luck. H.W.
Lee, on the H-30 I used to have, there were leaks around the bolts along the toe rail. I found that just tightening them a turn or so eliminated the problem. Most of the nuts are accessible except those at the chain plate knees and bulkheads. Don't overlook the stanchion bolts. Many were leaking. These needed rebedding. In the end all the leaks were stopped, so don't give up. You will have extensive rotted wood and mold if you allow the leaks to continue. good luck. H.W.
Thanks!
I appreciate the advice. I hadn't thought of the stanchions but that makes alot of sense based on where some of these leaks are the worst.
I appreciate the advice. I hadn't thought of the stanchions but that makes alot of sense based on where some of these leaks are the worst.
Toe rail = rub rail? mine leaks too.
I have been fighting a leak in the port rub rail of my 326. How in the world do you get to the bolts to tighten them? After testing with a water hose, I know where the problem is, just dont know how to fix it.
I have been fighting a leak in the port rub rail of my 326. How in the world do you get to the bolts to tighten them? After testing with a water hose, I know where the problem is, just dont know how to fix it.
Toe rail bolts.
H.W. is exactly right regarding the H30. At least on my H37C they are all accessible but with extreme difficulty. The ones in the bow require that the v-berth cabinetry be removed for example. Then you need a long extension for the 7/16" deep socket. And then some of the bolts are too long for even a deep socket. A universal on the extension end is a necessity in some places. But tightening them will stop the leaks. Some might not tighten, they will be corroded. You can break the stanchion bolts. Use the right size philips screwdriver with vise grips on the handle. Have someone hold that while you go below and twist the bolt right off. Have some new ones in hand. Tough job but worth the effort.
H.W. is exactly right regarding the H30. At least on my H37C they are all accessible but with extreme difficulty. The ones in the bow require that the v-berth cabinetry be removed for example. Then you need a long extension for the 7/16" deep socket. And then some of the bolts are too long for even a deep socket. A universal on the extension end is a necessity in some places. But tightening them will stop the leaks. Some might not tighten, they will be corroded. You can break the stanchion bolts. Use the right size philips screwdriver with vise grips on the handle. Have someone hold that while you go below and twist the bolt right off. Have some new ones in hand. Tough job but worth the effort.
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