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new c-dory owner, and a rain leak through top rail

 
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nordkapp



Joined: 11 Sep 2019
Posts: 2
City/Region: Milwaukie
State or Province: OR
C-Dory Year: 2003
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
PostPosted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:57 am    Post subject: new c-dory owner, and a rain leak through top rail Reply with quote

Hi - I've been lurking in this forum for years dreaming of a c-dory. I finally drove one home yesterday. 2003 22' cruiser.

As I was sitting in my new boat in the driveway, I noticed rain leaking in where the top rail attaches through the cabin roof. Starboard side right above driver seat. Water was dripping from the screw head during a moderate rain.

The previous owner stored the boat inside for several years and boated only during fairweather. No water damage or indication.

Before I start tearing things apart and making things worse as I'm known to do on my old house... thought I would post here for some ideas.

Questions:

1. Would the best approach be to unscrew the rail from the underside, attach marine sealant and screw it back down?

1 (a) Is the rail attached with tough adhesive at the factory that would make this a difficult process?

1 (b) What would be the best replacement sealant if I pull the rail off - 3M 4200 for removeable or 5200 for permanent?


2. Should I just run a neat bead of sealant around the outside of rail where it attaches to the roof?

2 (a) Any suggestion on sealant for this quick fix route? 3M 4000?


Appreciate any advice
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ssobol



Joined: 27 Oct 2012
Posts: 3362
City/Region: SW Michigan
State or Province: MI
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: SoBELLE
Photos: SoBelle
PostPosted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My boat had the same problem when I bought it.

The rail bolts through the roof. Just remove the bolts (the interior rails and the front shelf use the same bolts)and pop it off. On my boat there was no other retaining mechanism except the bolts. Be sure to have some other means of getting on the outside of the boat other than the hand rails once the bolts are removed (ask me how I know).

If the roof is cored you'll probably have to remove the wet core and refill it with epoxy filler. If it is solid FG you can just let it dry out for a couple of days.

I resealed my rails with butyl tape. Make a thin roll and put it on each round foot of the rail. Reinstall the bolts. You will need to crank the bolts down a couple of times over a couple of hours to get them tight as the butyl tape extrudes. Doing this on a hot day can speed the process.

It's been about 5 years since I did this and no leaks since.
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Avidmagnum12



Joined: 23 Mar 2013
Posts: 668
City/Region: Ocklawaha
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2011
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Otter
Photos: C-Otter
PostPosted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Common problem. I did the same thing as ssobol. Just be sure to get butyl tape that is “fresh” and not too old. Have fun with your new boat.
_________________
Tom and Joyce Schulke

2011 CD 25 "C-Otter" 07/2015 to present
2011 CD 25 "My Girl" 06/2015 renamed C-Otter
2004 CD 22 Commuter "Out2C" 03/10 to 06/15
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thataway



Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 20779
City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
PostPosted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Usually the railing is easy to remove. It should be completely removed, and all parts will cleaned. I prefer a sealant to tape. I have used 5200. If done properly no reason to remove, or to have to tighten up (Butyl tape needs to be checked regularly. Bolts need to be kept snug.)
_________________
Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL
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nordkapp



Joined: 11 Sep 2019
Posts: 2
City/Region: Milwaukie
State or Province: OR
C-Dory Year: 2003
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
PostPosted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 2:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks all for the guidance - I'll get the rail off tomorrow. great to have this active forum.
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