Used 2013 C-28 Observations

[jkhiser]

We just purchased a used 2013 C-28. It has slightly high engine hours (i.e., > 50 hours per year), and had made some trailer excursions.

We arrived in Pensacola FL to pick up the boat during the early Feb big rain. The upside of this was being able to inspect for water leaks while in the equivalent of a carwash. The C-28 has a toe rail bolted on each side of the pilot house. The screws on these penetrate the hull. On our boat, almost every single screw was leaking water to the inside of the boat. So we have a reseal project on our hands this spring. A few hatches needed attention to the rubber, but this is a minor project.

After a week of shakedown in FL, learning the boat, we had it shipped back to Annapolis. Of course, this was perfectly aligned with the next big nor-easter, with the boat arriving by trailer during 70 knot winds. The sport rack, solar panel, and two antennas were completely gone, and some remnants of the masthead light we hanging on just by the wires. The common theme appears to be loose or missing set screws. I suspect vibration from the number of engine hours and trailer trips may have helped.

So particularly for older boats, I might add checking setscrews on all the topside stainless before trailering or heavy weather operation, and application of Tef-Gel as appropriate.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

good advice. although I think any boat with 70mph winds is at risk of suffering some damage! :shock:

its funny when people up here in the pacific north wet, buy boats - including sailboats; from california and bring them up, they often leak like sieves as no one noticed in the dry conditions down south! - I've never seen such a leaky boat as my friends j/80 from san fran!

the toe rail screw leaking is bad though as each should have been seated in 5200 or equivalent to stop leaks at install.

where do the leaks for the toe rail surface inside? behind the cabinets?

 

[jkhiser]

On the starboard side, the water runs down the mouse fur in the mid berth. There is an access panel you can remove to see the backside of the screws. I was expecting to find one or two leaking, but a majority had water. There was evidence of some sealant on the threads.

On the port side, they are hidden behind the galley cabinets. The water puddles under the stove.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

yeah thats bad! I'd chat with the factory/dealer if I was you

 

[jimschu]

I think 50 hours a year is pretty low. I usually average 150 hours or so. Sometimes thing go bad from lack of use.
Going from a warm climate to a colder and wet climate will probably bring out some unexpected problems. Pretty sure you will enjoy the 28 a lot.

Good luck

 

[jagizzi]

I have a similar problem on my R-23. The rub rail screws are leaking and show up as streaks in the cabin mouse fur.

What is it that you are thinking is involved in repairing this? Is it removing the screw and then injecting 5200 into the screw hole, or do you coat the screw and put it back in place?

Is it necessary to remove the entire rub rail and seal that?

I am trying to make sure that the fix is permanent and sound.

Jim

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Is the deck cored or solid fiberglass at the toe rail?
From what I've read from Don casey, if its solid it should be a case of removing the screen squirting in 5200 and then screwing back in. (as long as screw strength isnt compromised by the removal)

if its cored the proper way is a longer process as you have to seal off the hole to the core by making a bigger hole, filling with 5200 or thick fiberglass resin. then drill a smaller pilot hole in the resin and screw into the pilot hole.

 

[jkhiser]

Found the culprit on the toe rail leaks. When I pulled off the port rail, there were 38 holes for the 18 screws holding the rail in place, more than two holes per fastner. A few of the holes under the rail still had screws. It appeared a softer material had been used to seal the unused holes, maybe a silicon type material.



The blue tape identifies holes that were holding the toe rail.

The starboard rail one had exactly double the number of holes as screws. It appeared the rail had been moved aft and rotated up slightly from initial install.



For the short term, I have re-sealed the unused holes with 5200. Next winter I will probably reglass the unused holes properly, or maybe even remove the rails completely.

The fourth nor-easter will be a good test of whether the 5200 was sufficient. Currently getting a good rain, sleet, snow mix.

 

[KennyMarrs]

Hello,

In 2013 the toe rail was not standard equipment or a factory option.

Thanks,
-Kenny