Mathias wrote:I have a CD25, and want to re-varnish my coamings, but they are attached to the cabin at the forward end of the coaming. How have others removed this, and how is it best re-attached? Your experience would be appreciated.
The forward end of the coaming boards on my '83 CD30c were attached to the cabin sides with 3M 5200...from what I could tell it look like they had never been removed before. I removed all bungs and screws (in the cockpit). I removed the cover plates inside the cabin and the screws holding the forward end of the coaming boards. I then applied copious amounts of the antibond stuff and used a hacksaw blade to remove them. It took the better part of a day to let the antibond soak in a little and slowly work the goo out with the hacksaw blade being very careful not to scratch the surrounding gelcoat, reapply antibond and repeat. If you get in a hurry and pry them off, you will likely pull the gelcoat off along with them (if yours are bonded with 5200 as well).
When I replaced them, I used 5200 on the forward end and 4200 in the cockpit.
I have not yet sealed the sides to keep the water from running under the edge and onto the cockpit seat. I have found that taking just a bit of a wave over the bow will allow the water to run onto the seat as it drains aft along the toerail. After the next coat of varnish I plan on running a bead of sealant down the crack.
It was a bit of work removing them, but it really paid off in the end.