Water behind the companionway teak

[Lilikoi]

I pulled some of the teakwork off the exterior of the C27 companionway and found it was pretty dirty and moist back there. So much so that some crazing of the gelcoat had begun under the flat wood plates. It looks like moisture got in there hung out, and worked its way under the gelcoat.

I think it's important to get this dried out and probably to seal up the cracks, too. But my real question is, after I get the teak refinished and the boat painted or gelcoat repaired here: What's the best way to prevent this from happening in the future?

Would I want to put an eyebrow of sealant behind the teak to keep water from slipping in but let it drain out the bottom?

You'll see a lot of dirt in the photo, but the cracks are actually surface cracks.

Regards,

Matt

 

[All U Get]

Hi Matt,
I have been suspicious of that same thing with our Catalina 30, now even more so. Just added it to the list.
All U Get

 

[shipwreck66]

I think everyone of us who has pulled these off has found this. I am currently varnishing mine with Cetol and will do what you suggest and seal with marine sealant. My dilemma was in replacing the coaming pieces the fiberglass is slightly warped on the port side and the teak pieces don't fit real well.

 

[DanM]

Gentlemen,

I might suggest that you use a bead of butyl tape for your purposes of sealing the top gap of that trim piece. I know my PO had used silicone on many different pieces of the boat and as I've removed and refinished them it's been a real pain to clean up that silicone.

Butyl doesn't have the adhesive properties, stays flexible and cleans up easily with mineral spirits allowing you to remove the pieces easily if you need to again. I've rebed everything on my deck and all my portlights on my C30 without any leaks after switching to butyl, good stuff.

Locally I can buy it at Home Depot in the roofing department, most RV dealers carry it and I think Maine Sail sales it now as well.

Take care, DanM.

 

[All U Get]

Thanks Dan that's my plan.
All U Get