Wet deck

[Bill Perry]

My 1991 Hunter 37.5 was recently surveyed and found to have moisture in the deck in an area rearward of the anchor locker and on the starboard side.In order to repair this and not have any unsightly repair, I think the way to repair it is to cut the headliner in the forward cabin, remove it and use a router to remove the fiberglass and wet wood from the inside, replace the wood, reglass and reinstall the headliner. I would propose covering the headliner cut with a strip of teak.Has anyone had a similar problem and found a better solution? The yard seems reluctant to approach the repair in this manner but I am at a loss to come up with a better solution. The area of repair is in a nonskid patterned area. Thank you

 

[Stephen Ostrander]

more info

I would do some more in-depth investigating before I started cutting any glass. Personally, I think that the meters are subject to some error and have to be used correctly to give meaningful data. Probably any boat surveyed with a moisture meter would give positive readings for moisture, especially if stored outdoors at this time of year. I would do more checking into the source of the moisture intrusion. The meter (or the surveyor) isn't telling you the source of the moisture, or the extent of damage, if any, only that moisture is present. Perhaps this is a bargaining chip in the negotiations, and merely something to keep an eye on in the future?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Agree with Stephen.

This is an oft discussed topic here on HOW and I thought you would see more answers. Be sure to check the Forum Archives.My survey was like yours, deck moisture near the mast and around the starboard chainplates. After two seasons of sailing my H37C I have still not addressed the situation. But I have talked with several experts and also read the West System booklet on the subject.If, as Stephen suggests, you really find moisture then the first step must be to eliminate the source. On my boat that is likely the chainplate seals and the mounting of the traveller for the staysail.The West System approach depends upon the extent of the problem. For a small "damp" area just drill lots of holes and fill with an epoxy mix. For a larger area cut a large section of the f/g deck layer and then replace the core section, probably end-grain balsa. Put the f/g panel back and glass it in. Repaint(probably non-skid) no one will ever know.This is what I will do IF I actually find moisture.