leaking shroud plate

[mick]

I have a leak where the shroud plate goes through the deck in my Sadler 26 (GRP). I'm a bit worried in case over time the constant, if slight, drip of water weakens the ply bulkhead the plate is fixed to. What is the best way to seal the plate?

 

[paulg]

It will cause problems if you don't deal with it.The very least will be discoloured /blackened bulkhead.How you deal with depends on the way it's attached through the deck.Usually you can remove shroud(use main halyard to hold mast temp or simply slacken both cap shrouds to keep mast straight)If you have U bolt deck plates undo bolts underneath ,pull them up and re seal with Sikaflex. Re tighten gradually dont squeeze ALL the sealant out, let it harden for a day and then nip the bolts.You may have to remove the chain plate from the bulkhead if it,s all one piece,some Sadler owner will probably know best.It,s not a major operation,but dont use cheap household sealant what ever method you decide on.Good luck

paul

 

[billmacfarlane]

You might try posting the question on the Sadler's owners website. Web address is :http://www.mikelucasyachting.co.uk.

 

[GrahamC]

Hi
I had this problem on 2 boats, a Sonata and Egythene 24. The Sonata web pages has a detailed cure that works, but you need a bit of engineering skill to make the plate fit over the chainplate. In both cases you need to tackle this or you may find that water was crept into the balsa core in the deck.
Try www.sonata.org.uk and have a browse.
Regards
GrahamC