ODay 20 Deck-Is it safe?

[LordNelson]

The more I look the worst it looks. Not only is the headstay chain plate lifting, but the area under mast looks like it has problems. There are also several areas with fairly major stress cracks.

I was going to replace the backing block under the headstay chain plate and sail it for the season but I am not sure if that is good enough now. Would I be taking too much risk doing that?

Any gross ballpark figure on how much it might cost to have it fixed by a shop. It's not a project I really have the knowledge to tackle nor do I want to spend the time.

I have included some pictures of the headstay chain plate area above and below deck as well as the area around and below the mast.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

fix it.

the deck under the forestay fitting does not look too bad. Seems more like the plywood backing plate is super soft. If it were me, and I liked the boat at all, I would fashion a metal backing plate. You could use cardboard to make the pattern and then transfer it to metal when you are in a more comfortable position to work. I would prefit it to make sure everything fit and then use a decent marine sealant.
as far as the mast - it can sink a little from deck compression - the core between the inner liner and outer hull absorbs water over time and gets spongy. And also sometimes the wood compression post under the mast gets a little wet and the ends of it will also soften and then shorten. For this I would maybe replace it with a fresh hardwood post. I would measure carefully and cut the post so that it needed to be gently wedged in place. You could also allow room at the top of the post for a little sort of pad to spread the load out a little - so that the post is not trying so hard to poke through the deck. For this I would be thinking about maybe some 3/8 PVC board, cut to a size about 1/2 bigger in all directions than the top of the post.
You may get other suggestions that vary widely - but the reason I would attempt to fix is that all old boats will have these issues - but really this work is not too complex and can yield a decent inexpensive boat. Some of these repairs done right will be stronger than original. Good luck.

 

[Ward H]

For the forestay fitting I partly agree with Lance. Not a real big deal but I wouldn't go as far as using a metal backing plate. That would last longer than you will.
I would unbolt the parts, take down the rotted plywood and make a new one of the same size. Drill the holes one size larger and paint it up real good with a couple of coats of two part epoxy. Make sure epoxy gets in the holes so if any water leaks in it does not get into the wood.
then put it back.
The best sealant for the desk side of the plate is butyl rubber available from a guy here on the forum named Main Sail. Do a google search and you will probably find him. 2nd to use would be 3M4200. DO NOT USE 5200. You will never get the plate off again without damaging the deck.

For the mast, it is sure to have some water damage but it does not look real bad. The deck view photo does not show sinking or bad gel coat cracks. It most likely does /have had water intrusion. The inside photo shows some damage but not enough to cancel your season. I would put fender washers under those nuts. They are bigger round and work like a backing plate. Not sure what the other spot is directly against the compression post. The post itself does not look like it is pushing up into the deck.

I would remove the mast plate, re seal with the same material you use on the front deck and use fender washers. Remember, all forces are trying to push the mast down or a little sideways, not trying to pull it up. I think you are good there.

Stay failures will de mast your boat so fix the forestay mount and I think you should be good to go.

Not sure what the other photo is but it looks like a toe rail or hatch slide? Probably some damage but not unsafe to sail.

On my first 17' boat, I tried fixing stuff kind of like you have. Then got worried and took it to a fiberglass repair shop. The bill would have been over $2k.
I posted photos here and had a unanimous response of Relax and Go Sailing, It is just an old boat.

 

[LordNelson]

Re: fix it.

Thanks for the input. I will replace forestay fitting and sail it. I will see what I can do to strengthen the area under the mast next season.