Moisture in prop strut filler

[OneDrop]

There is moisture trapped in the epoxy filler around the prop support strut that is through bolted to the interior. I have always noticed a small amount of water in the depression where the through bolts nuts are, but never more than a few ounces and just assumed this was a collection point for condensation or other pinhole leaks from cockpit drains.

After winter this year I noticed rust colored stains leading away from New cracks just behind the strut.

Review of the installation/replacent notes indicates that there is a large area of epoxy filler surrounding the strut mount points to bring it flush with the remainder of the hull.

I drilled a small pilot hole per suggestion of someone who had a similar issue and then put an air compressor up to it, when I removed the air injection, moisture did bubble from the sides of the hole, but not enough to drip out. My Surface moisture meter indicates the epoxy filler area is wet throughout.

Is this a project that can wait for next winter or do I really need to dig out all of this bedding and rebuild? The strut is not loose, and when I chipped away the barrier and gel coating I did not see anything beyond a small amount of surface rust on the metal mounting plate.

Thanks for any insight you can provide!

 

[jssailem]

Rather than forcing air up into the cavity, try sucking it out.

 

[Steve_Catalina]

This is a filler of sorts. When the strut is installed thu the hull with the 4 bolts it is kept loose until the shaft is properly aligned with the motor and strut. After aligned the strut is tighten and the filler around the strut is added. With the strut installed and before the filler added to the hull it looks like a half moon. I have seen pictures of this on the c34.org site, but was unable to locate today. Search under the message board and / ask on that site. Good luck