CD30 Mast step leak

[John R.]

I made the unfortunate discovery today of a leak that has occured at the mast step somewhere on our CD30. Through very close inspection through a 3/8" hole from below deck I was able to uncover that there is a leak that has caused some rust formation of the steel bracing inside the deck. The rust chips that I was able to extract through the small hole were damp. I have no idea of the extent of the rust problem at this point.

There are no visible signs of any problem around the mast step such as sagging, cracking or anything else. I did note that there is space between the bottom of the deck and the upper part of the deck that supports the mast step. I'm NOT talking about the space between the overhead liner and the bottom of the deck. There is another space or gap up inside the deck. I have a 6x9" teak access panel that fits over a large cut out in the liner to access the thru-deck wiring. After removing this panel for routine wiring inspection is when I discovered there had been recent leaking.

The hole I was barely able to peer into was an old radar cable hole that had been drilled long ago. That hole is not the leak source. I placed a 4" thin bladed small screwdriver up into the hole an wiggled it around and that is how I discovered the rust chips.

Before I delve into this situation to any degree I would like to familiarize myself more with the construction of this particular area of the boat. I would like to hear from any others that have had to remove the mast step or done any work to this area or the steel support structure in the deck. I would like info on how this area is constructed if anyone knows for a "fact" what it is like. Has anyone else ever had a leakage problem with the mast step and what did you discover during your repair procedure?

Thanks for any information on the CD30 mast step area.

[Jay Ankers]

I am interested too because when I pulled my new wiring through the existing holes they had orange/brown rust and moisture on them.

I know that the deck step is sealed well, and that the deck is dry between the liner and deck fiberglass.......so I am curious, as you are, just how the deck step structure is glassed-in. If it is mild steel, I would like to know if it is encapsulated in resin.

The standing rigging reinforcements on the gunwall are actually stainless steel angles on my late model CD-30....I was hoping the deck step frame was as well.

Now I am curious.

Jay
s/v Per Diem
#344 (1985)



jankers@pii-cgmp.com

[John R.]

I am interested too because when I pulled my new wiring through the existing holes they had orange/brown rust and moisture on them.

I know that the deck step is sealed well, and that the deck is dry between the liner and deck fiberglass.......so I am curious, as you are, just how the deck step structure is glassed-in. If it is mild steel, I would like to know if it is encapsulated in resin.

The standing rigging reinforcements on the gunwall are actually stainless steel angles on my late model CD-30....I was hoping the deck step frame was as well.

Now I am curious.

Jay
s/v Per Diem
#344 (1985)

Jay,

Ours is an '83 #271. From what I've been able to ascertain thus far I'd say the maststep bracing is only partially encapsulated.

I would be very concerned if your wires are as you describe. Water has made it's way into the bracing somewhere. How do you know for sure your deck is dry all the way through the deck to the liner? I think you and I have a bad situation and I'll bet there are others out there in CD land with the same problem and aren't aware of it. As you know as well as I it shows no outward visible signs of a problem. Only very, very close inspection will discover if the problem exists.

In our CD30 there is definately a space or gap between the bottom side of the encapsulated steel maststep brace and the bottom surface of the deck lay-up. Note: I'm not talking about the space between the bottom of the deck and the headliner.

I have been considering removing a plug of about 2" diameter with a hole saw from the bottom of the deck (about 3/8" thick glass) directly under the mast step. I'm not sure yet how large the space is between the 3/8" thick bottom of the deck and the steel bracing supporting the step. My guesstimate at this point would be about 3/4" from what I can determine by just probing around through the old radar cable hole.

My maststep support is definately not stainless, neither are the chainplate grids in the hull or any other structural bracing such as the steering and bow sprit/stem backing plate.

I'll send you an e-mail and we can discuss this further without taking up space on this board chatting back and forth unless others are interested.