Rainwater Leak

[Gary Peaden]

1976 Fixed keel 25. I am converting the little compartment forward of the v-berth to an anchor locker and noticed a slight amount of water in the glued on foam just beneath the hull to deck joint. I suspect slight leaks at this joint in other areas around the boat too. I remember reading somewhere that it was characteristic of Odays for water to accumulate somehow in the rub rail and leak back into the boat. Whoever this was, said that drilling small holes in the bottom of the rub rail holder remedied the problem. Anybody know anything about this? Hope it's not a violation of ettiquette to ask two questions in one post.....Does anyone have any ideas of getting that stubborn foam off the hull? I guess big fans and some strong solvent? Any ideas appreciated......Gary

 

[Art]

Similar situation

Hi Gary, I have recently encountered a similar situation on a boat that I plan to prepare for next summer. I am in the process of researching what to do about the water that runs in through the rub rail. I will post any startegies that I encounter.

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Same Problem

Gary, I had the same problem with my O34. I was having an accumulation of water in the same area and found that the leak was around the pulpit bolts that go through the deck in that area, not the rub rail. I eased off on the bolts and injected sealant and then tightned them back up, end of problem. As to the foam stuff, it's going to take a stiff brush and a lot of elbow grease to get the bulk of it off. That will do if you are planning to go back with some other type of fabric. If you need it clean enough to paint, solvent might be necessary to remove the glue. I'd be careful about the solvent and make sure that it doesn't attack fiberglass.Luck with it!!