Leak into cabin around roof rack bolt

itiming

Docked overnight as a thunderstorm passed by followed by half inch of rain. This morning I see a slow drip of water around the through-roof bolt holding the starboard roof rack rail.

Wondering if anyone has a suggestion for investigating/repairing this leak?

curioustraveler · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:45 pm Post subject:

If it's like mine, the bolts holding up the shelf are the same bolts holding the handholds on the roof of the pilothouse. I had a tiny leak there too. I used some Lifeseal to reseal the base of the handholds.

itiming · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:07 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your note. I just obtained a cartridge of Lifeseal, so have that available for use.

This leak seems to originate at the front roof rack bolt (starboard side). My hand holds are through-bolted to the overhanging visor.

Here is where I think the leak originates:

ssobol · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:21 pm Post subject:

When I got my boat it leaked around the through bolts for the roof top handrails. Removing the rails and rebedding them with butyl tape fixed it for me.

curioustraveler · Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 6:25 am Post subject:

Yes, that's exactly where mine leaked.

localboy · Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:59 pm Post subject:

Pull them off. Clean the holes well of all old sealant. Use a beveled drill bit to bevel the holes slightly on the roof side. This creates an "O-ring" of sealant. Re-install using new sealant like 3M 4000, 4200, 5200 etc. or Life Seal.