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Water leaks

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Good Spirit, Sep 25, 2013.

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  1. Good Spirit

    Good Spirit Member

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    Location:
    Northern harbour lake of the woods Ontario Canada
    We have a 92 3608 that has leaks when it rains. Water gets in the cupboard above the galley sink as well as by the dinette. I am thinking that the water may be getting in under the railing stanchions is this a possibility and if so how difficult is it to reseat them
  2. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Very possible, and it's not a big job if caught early. Simply back out the screws, put caulking in the holes and screw them back in. Another area where this happens a lot in behind the rubrails. That's a bit more labor intensive, but not difficult. You do want to get it done asap though as the real problem is not the water in the galley, but the damage it does to the core under the gel coat on the way there.
  3. Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

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    As NYCap said, it shouldn't be hard if there isn't core damage under, however be sure to take a moisture meter to the affected area prior to doing anything to ensure you aren't sealing moisture in which will haunt you later.
  4. Good Spirit

    Good Spirit Member

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    Location:
    Northern harbour lake of the woods Ontario Canada
    Thanks for the advice I plan on attacking the railing this weekend as long as the weather cooperates. What is involved with checking the rub rail?
  5. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    That depends on what kind of rail you have. (insert/no insert, on with clips or screwed directly). If the screws are visable then it's just a matter of pulling them one by one and caulking as you pit them back. Otherwise you have to start at the end, remove the whole thing (being careful not to kink it). Unless there is evidence of a hard hit in the area of the leak I'd be more inclined to think the leak is coming from the deck screws or even from a window. Leaks on a boat can be insidious. It's not all that unusual for a leak to be at the bow and show up on the inside at the stern. Try flooding the area you suspect, then move to the next and try to zero in on it. That may save you a lot of unnecessary work.
  6. Good Spirit

    Good Spirit Member

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    Location:
    Northern harbour lake of the woods Ontario Canada
    Thanks for the advice. The rail is screwed on no insert. The reason I think it Is the stanchions is the leak appears when I'm using the deck wash as well as when it rains. I don't think it is from the windows.
  7. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Sounds like you have an easy fix then. I like 3M 5200. Good luck.
  8. Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

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    Iqaluit, Nunavit, Canada
    Morning all,
    I think the word insidious is probably the most accurate way to describe leaks on any vessel. While NYCAP123 suggests 3M 5200, I would suggest a less "permanent" type of sealant. 3M 4200 perhaps or my favorite, Dolfinite. Keep in mind, this is a task that may have to be redone at some point in the future and removal of the old caulk will probably be necessary to effect a proper repair. 5200 is a bear to remove in my experience. Also be aware that if you flood any area to check for leaks, you will have to allow that area to dry out before proceeding.
    Peter
  9. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    The subject of caulks has been covered on other threads, and I expected it to come up here when I mentioned 5200, because it is a bear to remove. I recommended 5200 because of the location. On seams, etc. I agree with the 4200, but I never fully trust a screw that's been removed from fiberglass and re-inserted. On a hand rail I'd be looking for that bond as well as the sealing qualities.