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

[nordkapp]

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

 

[ssobol]

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.

 

[Avidmagnum12]

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.

 

[thataway]

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.)

 

[nordkapp]

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