Sealing around handrails above pilothouse

Pura Vida

We took our first overnight trip and it went great except during a rainstorm we had a leak that seemed to be coming from the wire harness directly over the helm. My guess is it was from the handrails above. What is recommended to seal around these? I know some caulks should not be used in the marine environment. I have pictures, but not sure how to post. IMG_1961.jpg[/img]

journey on · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 12:35 pm Post subject:

I sealed Journey On's exterior handrails with 3m 4000. Stopped the leaks and sealed the hole. Worked for a number of years.

One does have to remove the rails to give a good shot of sealent into the holes. I don't know if you have any wiring entering the cabin roof (radar?) but be sure to seal those holes. Tape if needbe.

You can install interior handrails whenst you pull the outside ones, they use the same holes.

Boris

Pura Vida · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 12:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks Boris!
Do you apply that with a typical caulk gun?

journey on · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 3:08 pm Post subject:

It comes in caulk tubes. I apply some to the hole, some to the bolt and shove 'em together. Tighten down and wipe the excess off with lacquer thinner. Neatness doesn't count until you're through and wiping down

Boris

thataway · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 9:36 pm Post subject:

The only thing I would add to Boris's suggestions, is that if there is core--where the bolt passes thru the cabin top, that you want to route out any wet material, and then fill that with epoxy. This will give a better seal, since you have some core to pull down the bolts on, and prevent further water intrusion.

localboy · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:47 pm Post subject:

I totally removed ours to add an overhead console for VHF radios, a stereo etc. Four of the front bolts hold the the console up.

I used 4200 and a counter-sink bit on each hole on the outside. The bevel creates an "o-ring" around each screw/bolt. I do this on all my screws, bolts etc whenever I bed something. Use the sealant, secure the item and don't move it at all until the sealant goes off. Hasn't leaked in 10 yrs.

san juanderer · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 10:40 am Post subject:

Local Boy has the right idea, chamfer the hole to create a "o-ring". Don't turn the fastener, tighten the nut.