Cape Dory 25 question re headliner

[emilywesson]

Greetings from Belfast,Maine, Penobscot Bay!
My Cape Dory 25 1975 #202 has got a problem of headliner cracking, seemingly from downward pressure from Mast area. A good boat builder had a long look, feels it is structurally OK, but doesn't know what is causing this downward pressure. Has anyone else had this issue of headliner cracking in the area under mast and hatch. (Inside only. Deck appears normal) in the corners? The boat has had a lot of use in the last 14 years.
Thanks so much for any thoughts!! All the Best and great summer sailing to you. Emily Wesson

[mgphl52]

The boat could be suffering from leaks on the cabin top that have seeped into the fiberglass that encapsulates the iron/steel structure that supports the mast. There are multiple examples of this (especially on older Typhoons) in the archives. Check to see if there is a low spot around the tabernacle compared to the rest of the cabin top.

[Paul D.]

Extra tight rigging tension could create a problem such as this by pulling the mast down and the ends of the boat up. I would double check rigging tensions to rule that out. And maybe check for deck crazing in the chainplate and fore stay and backstay area realizing some of that may only be the gelcoat crazing we often see on Cape Dories due to their unusually heavy gel coat layer. Good luck.