Stains on carpet inside hull

[RDS2012]

On my new to me 18.5, there are water stains (?) on the carpet or material covering the inside of the hull in the cockpit. Can someone tell me where the water (?) would have come from? Is the caulking on the topsides failing? What kind of caulk do I need to use to redo it?

Thanks, Ron

 

[Steve Dion]

Ron: Regardless of what anyone tells you, water can even run up hill. There is no telling where the water is coming from (stanchions, toe rail, hull joint, hand rails, mast step, hatches, ports etc). You can start by rebedding all your hardware, but there are never any guarantees.

To remove the stains you can get a upholstery cleaner and try that first. If it does not work then you may want to consider replacing the material.

As far as rebedding hardware the butyl that is sold by MaineSail is a excellent product to use.

 

[RDS2012]

Thanks, Steve.

It's stained about 4' on each side from the bow. The caulking above and below where the top meets the hull on each side is coming off. I wondered if this place is the problem. Not sure what to call it, but there is a bead of caulk on the top and the bottom of the lip from the bow to the stern.