Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I discovered the source of the leak into the compartment under the V-berth. It is not from the anchor locker or fittings. It was from behind the rubrail close to the bow. As a temporary fix, I bought some flowable silicone (used for sealing leaky windshields) and applied that to the top. Seems to be staying dry now. I may need also to seal beneath if water comes in when sailing.
Has anyone tried removing the aluminum rub rail frame? Was it a big or difficult job? I suspect it is leaking at other points around the hull so was considering removing to seal the hull/deck joint better.
I haven't removed the vinyl rubrail insert, so I had no idea what removal might involve. But sounds like it might not be a great idea. I would also have installed the new bow stem fitting at the same time, sealed the hull/deck joint very thoroughly as well as where the screws enter the hull in case that is another source of leaks.
Derek is right about the number of screws. They're spaced about 4-6". However, based on the shape of the channel (it looks like a thin I-beam), I think it may be necessary to remove the channel and put a spot of sealant over each screw hole, then tighten them back down to make sure you correct the problem. Otherwise, I think water could get behind the channel (and any sealant applied on the outside) and seep through the screw holes.
If you decide to do the job, it will be easier with new, pliable rubber for the rail. The grey looks great! Costs about $100 from Catalina direct.
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> I discovered the source of the leak into the compartment under the V-berth. It is not from the anchor locker or fittings. It was from behind the rubrail close to the bow. As a temporary fix, I bought some flowable silicone (used for sealing leaky windshields) and applied that to the top. Seems to be staying dry now. I may need also to seal beneath if water comes in when sailing.
Has anyone tried removing the aluminum rub rail frame? Was it a big or difficult job? I suspect it is leaking at other points around the hull so was considering removing to seal the hull/deck joint better.
I removed it last year. If you do, I suggest purchasing new rubber for around 80 dollars. There are screws approximately every 4 to 6 inches all the way around the boat. Frank Butler was undergoing the great caulk shortage of the 70's and 80's when they built these and in most cases there isn't much caulk if any in that area. We removed the entire piece, cleaned the area then caulked a circle around each hole and a thin line along the top of the metal. The pieces (2 if I recall, but may have been 3) are rather large (awkward)and you will probably need a helper for the job.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.