80's ETAP 30

[volunteer]

I have been sailing a 1989 Etap 30 for the past 13 years. Generally speaking I have been extremely happy with it. Apart from the unsinkable aspect (which has to be considered an advantage, else why would anyone buy a liferaft?), the foam does significantly improve the hull's thermal insulation. In my experience water getting into the foam from any leaking fittings does not in fact stay trapped, but gradually leaks out at the lowest point, i.e. at the mast compression post or under a saloon bunk. Tracing leaks is not easy, but not impossible either.

Early models had a quite weak "back stop" to the tiller. Check if it is in place or has sheared off. The later beefed up replacement type is square rather than round section stainless. It's not a huge job to replace.

Hello - new Etap 30 (1986) owner here. Way out in California where there simply aren't many (any?) around. I could really use some help as I'm having some frustration with sourcing deck leaks. And yes, the leaks do arrive right at the compression post base.

I have sealed around the windows and the grab rails - they seem okay. The deck, aside from beneath the deteriorated non-skid, actually looks pretty good - so just not sure where the moisture is arriving from. But, as others have noted, I also get moisture behind the hull-deck joint (which is causing havoc with the teak trim there..

Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[Brockbridge10]

Hello - new Etap 30 (1986) owner here. Way out in California where there simply aren't many (any?) around. I could really use some help as I'm having some frustration with sourcing deck leaks. And yes, the leaks do arrive right at the compression post base.

I have sealed around the windows and the grab rails - they seem okay. The deck, aside from beneath the deteriorated non-skid, actually looks pretty good - so just not sure where the moisture is arriving from. But, as others have noted, I also get moisture behind the hull-deck joint (which is causing havoc with the teak trim there..

Any advice greatly appreciated!

I am also a new Etap 30 (1990) owner and yes, I have a nappy (diaper) permanently stationed at the mast base. So far I have found a failed cable gland at the foot of the mast and a stanchion base that has been hit and bent slightly. Happy to share any knowledge. I have a lot of work to do!

 

[volunteer]

I am also a new Etap 30 (1990) owner and yes, I have a nappy (diaper) permanently stationed at the mast base. So far I have found a failed cable gland at the foot of the mast and a stanchion base that has been hit and bent slightly. Happy to share any knowledge. I have a lot of work to do!

Good stuff. I was hoping to attract the attention of another owner - and hello DaveS as well?

Not really wishing to muscle in on a private argument, but I have sailed Etaps (22 then 30) for over 20 years so do have some familiarity with them..

First some encouraging news, just purchased some new decking from Wassersport Bubel in Germany - it seems that they carry replacement stock for our boat. My existing non-skid is such a disaster am wondering if the deck itself might be leaking beneath the old mats. However, the rest of the gel-coat looks pretty good. So, the leaks remain a mystery.

is it possible for the hull / deck joint to leak? This is where much moisture is showing up within the interior - but leaking here does seem unlikely. More likely perhaps this hull to deck joint is just where water is exiting the overhead shell within the interior.

is it possible for the anchor lockers to leak? Also seems unlikely, but I am getting a persistent leak up forward - water emerges beneath the forward berth where the black water tank has been installed.

other leaks athwart the jib tracks, so that seems a likely candidate. However, I have been unable to extract several of the existing screws in order to rebed them. So that remains a future challenge. I did however put a new seal about the windows so perhaps at least that leaky spot should be sorted now.

And as for mast base, yes - that spot is lowest in the boat - so any water between the shells will show up there. Still, I do agree that some moisture does seem to be entering via the mast base.

Pleased to meet you.

Charlie.

ps: my handle is Volunteer, because I was literally given this boat - and I volunteered to try and save it!

 

[Brockbridge10]

Sounds like your boat is in a similar condition to mine.

I am assuming you have curly corners on your non-slip pads but I doubt they are the source of your leaks. I had the same problem on a 22i and, having stuck them back down, I painted them with International non-slip. It looked good and I will probably do the same on this boat. I am getting my parts from David Morris in the UK (www.davidmorrisboats.co.uk). Ultimately he is ordering from Germany but he is a useful source of info and has been able to send me some of the construction drawings.

Not sure I can help with your leaks but check your stanchion bases - they can be tightened from within the saloon lockers.

Finally there is an ‘Etap yacht owners’ facebook page. I have posted on there about a fault I found with my rudder and it might be worth checking yours when she is next out of the water.

Pleased to meet you too.

Philip.

 

[volunteer]

..has been able to send me some of the construction drawings.

Not sure I can help with your leaks but check your stanchion bases - they can be tightened from within the saloon lockers.

Finally there is an ‘Etap yacht owners’ facebook page. I have posted on there about a fault I found with my rudder and it might be worth checking yours when she is next out of the water.

construction drawings for the Etap 30? nice - I would love to see those. can you post here?

I have liked the Etap yacht owners page - so we'll see if I can work it out from there. FB remains something of a mystery to me though - in terms of navigation - iow, it feels kind of completely random.

will try the stanchion bases today. seems obvious, but because I haven't seen any direct leaking from those, didn't think to try. Still, not a bad idea. Not having access to the deck fittings is something of a challenge with this boat. All the locally made boats, California has lots of '70's and 80's fiberglass afloat, all have open overheads..

 

[APS]

My questions concern my 26' (7.86m) 1982 built Etap. 1. Can the cabin headliner (hard material) be readily removed for eg inspection of standing rigging where there are a few fine hairline/age looking cracks in the decking near the base of the port side standing rigging - just wanted to check these - ? 2. I had to replace the jamming gears (that the running rigging/halyards go through) on the coach roof either side of the hatch as each had a broken element. We were surprised that the old ones unscrewed easily & though I've bought exact new replacements (Danish make) we're wondering if they should have bolts at their base or do the screws just self tap into a metal plate - which of course we can't see as the headliner covers it -? Has anyone any experience of this issue & should I even be concerned given that the force through the jammers is lateral not vertical from the halyards? 3) Also....our lifting keel had 'lost' its small lifting engine when we bought the boat so wondering if anyone knows of a replacement or unuseable boat with one in....currently rely on a rechargeable winch but still takes time & being up on deck whilst sailing - I'm solo sailing. 4) Finally, just had to have all cockpit seats made as laminates (previous wooden ones disintegrated) so to secure an autopilot, any tips on best place to fit it as presumeably a fitting will have to be screwed in. 5) One more thing, the deck non-slip elements are curling away so any tips re best adhesive to re-secure them? Many thanks in advance for your time.

 

[jackho]

Hi,
I'm helping a friend look at sailing cruisers suitable for family use, he is finally coming over from the dark side.

We have been to see an well kept ETAP 30 of early/mid 80's vintage. While I know they are unsinkable my knowledge runs out there.

I would appreciate any views on this boat, good, bad or known problems to watch for.

Many thanks

I have sailed Etaps for over 15years from 22 ,26, and 30ft. the 30 was best boat I ever had. Basically if she looks good she probably is. I have seen some raced hard and it shows so if the hull profile if looks good then thats a good start. Only word of caution is engine age and condition and sail drive like any other boat of 80 vintage.