Calypso is in the middle of a deck restoration project. We, the co-owners have pulled most deck gear and hatches to inspect and repair holes in the deck. In the boat's 43 years of hard use including many years of competitive racing many extra holes in the deck where added. We have drilled and filled with epoxy over 250 holes in the deck most of which were from moving, replacing, or adding deck hardware. We found water intrusion, some minor, some major in almost every hole including those under the hatch frames. Many of the old hardware holes had been filled back in the 70's with varying materials (most were painted over) and almost all had or were failing and allowing water/moisture intrusion.
Based on our observations of where water gets into the deck's balsa core and/or leaks into the interior I recommend re-bedding most deck hardware every 5 to 10 years. If I had done that on Calypso starting back in 1998 when we purchased her the deck repair project would have been 1/3 the effort. Halyard and sheet blocks seem to have failed early likely owing to the upward stress in use. We did find 1/4th of the deck hardware still sealed after 43 years, mostly cleats and winches. The 1970 build process at Bruckmann's was of good quality in regards to the use of the butyl tape and other sealants. The layup of balsa into the deck structure showed an effort to seal between balsa squares preventing water migration but was not totally effective. Water also follows the 12V wiring that was laminated into the deck. If your C&C was built at another facility or era pulling one or two pieces or hardware would be a good check of how your own boat's sealant is holding up. So, much like most who get a new "religion" (mine being the Church of the Saturday Sailors, "You will be heeled, first to Port, then to Stbd") I am a new disciple of a practice of re-bedding most hardware often enough to keep the water out. Martin Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle -----Original Message----- From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of OldSteveH via CnC-List Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 10:13 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Stus-List Old Boat Leaks After 4 years with Diamond Girl I'm still trying to find and stop deck leaks. I expect this is a quest that will never end but need to at least make some headway ... She's not all that leaky but we are still getting water after a good rainstorm and I am curious what others main leak sources are. Here is current leak status: Thru hulls are all in newer condition Stuffing box is correctly adjusted Transducers do not leak Portlights and hatches are all older but do not leak for the most part, possible exception being head hatch cover. Genoa tracks and coach roof jib tracks are reasonably good, they may let in a bit of water. Curious how others have bedded their tracks. Other coach roof fittings - no significant leaks. Chainplates - recently resealed - unlikely to be a source of water Toe rails need rebedding and may let in minor water but are generally ok. Mast boot is not good, but I know about that and am working on it. Main problem is that the vang fitting gets in the way of a good seal on the mast. Mast shackle collar - questionable - am looking into that. I have this suspicion that it fills with water which then find its way inside. Am considering drilling a couple of holes at base of collar to let water drain out. Water coming down inside the mast - not sure how significant this is or what can be done about it. Companionway cover/splash apron - probable leak source - not sure what can be done about it. (and yes I have Caseys book on deck repair) All comments welcome and appreciated. Steve Hood S/V Diamond Girl 1982 C&C 34 Lions Head ON _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
