CD28:Rusty water leaking out of stress cracks@mast step

[kevin]

I was working on the boat the other day and noticed rusty water leaking out of the stress cracks in the gelcoat. I dont want to get involved with repairing that now. It sounds like a winter project. Has anybody had this problem? If so, what did you do about it. I think I might have to cut out the load spreading beam and sandblast it and than fiberglass it back in to fix it properly. OOOOOHHHHH, what a job!! HELP



klmahoney@att.net

[Ron Musk]

I was working on the boat the other day and noticed rusty water leaking out of the stress cracks in the gelcoat. I dont want to get involved with repairing that now. It sounds like a winter project. Has anybody had this problem? If so, what did you do about it. I think I might have to cut out the load spreading beam and sandblast it and than fiberglass it back in to fix it properly. OOOOOHHHHH, what a job!! HELP

Kevin,We have a similar situation on our CD30,which has been under cover and pretty well dried out since Oct.We had a little rust discoloration at one corner of the beam , we opened the fiberglass at this location to ensure dry-out.It does't seem too serious,I think we caught it early.Clean the metal as best I can and use some rust neutralizer and primer and reglass.I hope you don't have to remove your beam-big job.Anyone that says those gelcoat cracks are not a concern is in for a surprise.Our 1977 CD30 had major water penetration in the core almost the entire length of the cabin top sides both port and starboard and and also in the foredeck .When we first inspected her all that was apparent where the usual cracks in the gelcoat,percussion and a moisture meter revealed the extent of the problem so get right after those cracks! good luck.

Ron
CD30 #42
s/v R&R



CCerre@massed.net