Ponding water at toe rail

[Steve L22188]

I just purchased a 88 O'day 302 and have a problem with water ponding at the toe rail about 8 feet from the stern. This occurs on both sides of the boat. Apparently the design of the boat just won't allow the water to run aft. I've considered cutting a small drainage notch or two into the aluminum toe rail. The ponded water seeps into the edge of the toe rail/deck joint and then seeps into the lazarette and the aft cabin.A couple of questions:Is this a common situation and is there a simple way to correct this?Has anyone removed their toe rail, caulked under the edge and then replaced the toe rail? Any tricks to that someone could pass along? Would 3M 4200 be the right sealant?Thanks very much for your help and ideas.

 

[Mike Collier]

Ponding Water

I have a Hunter 30 that has the same problem. I intend to install drains that connect to the cockpit scuppers. That is a future project. For now, I tighteded the nyla nuts that hold the toe rail to hull. On my Hunter, this stopped the leak. I use a big spoonge or mop to get the water out. The best solution is to take her out.If you must remove the toe rail, I would suggest that you use silicone to seal around the toerail bolts. Others have recommended a polysulfate of polyurethane sealant, but that seems a little extreme since the rail might have to come up again in the future.

 

[TDC]

sealants

If you remove the toerails, polysulfide and polyurethane are the recommended sealants.Polysulfide is recommended if future removal of the toerails is forseen, if not use polyurethane.