Water leak

[River Bank]

It appears that I am getting water into the vee-berth area from the vertical post that supports the safety railing on the starboard side.
These support post are secured by two fasteners to the deck edge.

My question is this: Are those securing fasteners "bolts" or "screws?"

If they are screw type fasteners there would be no problem, but if they are "bolt/nut" then it will be a big problem for me if the "nut: drops off inside the hull after unfastening.

Bob

 

[knotflying]

I am pretty sure they are fastened with a threaded screw and nut, so you will need to get to the underside to reach the nut for both loosening and reattachment. To see if it is threaded why not back it out a bit if you can and see what type of thread it is. If it is a machine thread you may not even be able to back it out if the nut on the backside starts to turn. In any event you had better make this a one day project because once you break the seal more on the bedding the leak may get worse. I am sure contacting Andrew or Kenny will give you the right guidance in advance.
Let us know how it works out for you so we can know for ourselves in the future.

 

[River Bank]

Thank you, good advice.

I will do exactly that ( unscrew enough to see the threads) and make a determination from that.

Does Ranger Tug people answer question such as mine on this site?

Bob

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Bob,

I am a ranger tug person and I try to keep up the best I can when questions are directed towards the factory. If you are trying to address a leak from your bow rail, you will need to get to the nuts on the underside to fix it. Remove the berth headliner panels and remove the nuts to lift the rail. The sealant is typically compromised from too much stress overtime. Be sure to use a marine grade sealant.

Take care,

Andrew Custis

 

[knotflying]

I would recommend Life Seal. It is pretty permanent but removable if necessary. Never use 5200 unless you want what you are sealing to never be removed.

 

[pugtug613]

I found Life Caulk, Life Seal or 4200 (fast or slow) work the best on re bedding projects. Marine Grade Silicone work well on ports and lights. Just be sure to tape off the area you don't want schmutz and wear gloves. I don't know how many times I said, "It's only a small job and I'll be careful." Then I had stuff on my fingers and on the fiberglass. I like to remove the tape after it sets, but before it dries. Comes off clean without a razor blade. Some people like to just snug down the nuts on a rail, wait 24 hrs and then give it another 1/4 turn or so. I asked a professional and he told me that was an unnecessary step. Let us know how it works out, I think I'll be doing that also. My wife noticed some wetness in the vee berth.
Chester
Pugs Tug Long Island

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Bob,

I would suggest Butyl tape for bedding compound. FAR easier to use than 4200, BoatLife, etc...I've tried those too. Look here (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware) for a tutorial on usage. Even if you elect to use something else, the principles of PROPER bedding are the same. Like creating a CHAMFER so the bedding compound has a place to live after the deck hardware is bolted in place, etc.

I highly recommend this stuff. Easy to use, minimal waste, not messy - no gloves needed.

/david