Should I do something or wait?

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ThomasBoard

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I´m currently having problems with my deck caulking which is parting from the teak. It´s a teak over ply deck, new teak in 97 and new caulking 05. But we moved to Portugal, and the wood has lost moisture, which I assume has caused the problem. Over winter the deck is leaking much less (in summer, close hauled or with heavy rain I had leaks below), I guess as it rehydrates. Anyone have experience of wooden boats in hot climates? I´m not sure whether to leave it or recaulk (at great expense). The parting is all over the place, and the yacht is 43.5 feet on deck, so it would take a lot of patching up. I´m planning to return to the UK this winter with her, so I was thinking to leave any work for fear of having the reverse problem if I had caulking seen to in Portugal.... Any advice? Thanks.
 
There\'s a very simple answer to that....

FIX IT, NOW.

Teak losing moisture is not the problem, failure of the caulking bond is the problem - the movement in the teak strips when wet or dry is far too small to break the bond.

What you've got now is rain water getting into your plywood subdeck and rotting it, so you will shortly be getting yourself a whole new deck, at even greater expense.

When you do replace the entire deck, do yourself a favour and forget the fake-teak-deck strips. Glass cloth and epoxy over plywood is an honest deck, cheaper and durable.

Why people go in for teak-over-plywood decks I really cannot imagine; they are a recipe for trouble.
 
Re: There\'s a very simple answer to that....

Do you know what causes this? The problem didn´t exist as far as I know in the UK, hence my assumption the heat has something to do with it. so how do I avoid it in future? I´ve noticed some small splits in the teak as well, but perhaps they were there before.

I´m having a shipwright look her over to review the situation anyway.

Thanks for the advice. By the way, the decks do look lovely which answers the why I think. My surveyor told me they´re structural as well - she has had teak over ply since new in 1962.

Cheers,
Thomas
 
Now, that\'s not simple!

Apologies for my intemperate response - but don't leave it - things could get very expensive very quickly!

Could be one of several possible causes. See private message....
 
Leaking teak over ply decks are a disaster, act now or pay later. The bits that leak through are probably OK, its the bits where the water lies trapped where issues really kick off. Covers on now and don't delay is my advice
 
Hi, I just bought her (June 2006) and the recaulking was last done 2005, so I don´t know is the honest answer. I´ve sent a message to the last owner to get in touch with those that did the work, and find out.

The yard I´m using asked the same question, which is comforting. do you think I should get a wood specialist surveyor involved to oversee things, or not necessary as long as the shipwright knows what he´s doing?

Cheers,
Thomas
 
I read your question on the last number of the magazine.I also have a classic with teak over plywood in Portimão with some leaks,and the experience of 27 years of teak decks over plywood.There are always some leaks somewhere.I try patiently identify the exact place over deck where the leak begins,and recalc only there
 
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