SailNet Community - View Single Post - Bulkhead repair......ive put this off long enough.
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Old 08-29-2008
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US27inKS US27inKS is offline
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Unfortunately I can't see your pics as it's storming outside and I'm lucky to have any internet at all.

My boat had major chainplate leaks when I got it, and even after I replaced the bulkheads it still leaked. There seems to be enough flex in the hull that the chainplates move slightly where they pass through the deck. I had been using 4200 to seal them, but every time I get into a good blow, the chainplates leak again.

I finally solved the problem by opening up the deck around the chainplates with a small die grinder and bit. Then I filled in the deck around the chainplates with thickened epoxy, leaving a small "dish" around the chainplates. When the epoxy dried, I sealed the chainplates with Butyl tape that I got from a glass shop, then reinstalled the seal covers at the chainplates.

The Butyl tape remains pliable and will follow the chainplate as it moves in and out of the deck. Finally no more leaks.

PS. when removing bulkheads as Sabreman suggested, use the RotoZip DC1 bit. The spiral bits don't work as well. You would almost think that the DC1 bit was made for cutting apart boats. Also, if you have a good size portable air compressor, you can use the DC1 bit in an air die grinder with great results.
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John USYacht 27 "Cora Lee"

Last edited by US27inKS; 08-29-2008 at 02:04 AM.
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