Starlight 35 leaks - Stern Shroud Chain plates?

gregcope

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HI All,

Have a leak on a Starlight 35 amidships port side saloon. Just forward of the stern most internal chain plate link (silver bar).

Boat Yard think it is the toe rail. However after todays weather not so sure. There is drop of water from the headlining, about where a leak from said chain plate link would be. This pools and exits to the right of the picture (mark discoloured wood).

Thoughts?

Another reason it is not the toe rail, is there is a gap between the end of the headlining, and the outer hull, of around 20mm. Inserting fingers I can feel the teorail bolts. If the toe rail bolts where leaking I would expect vertical drips, or drips down the outer hull.

Is it the toe rail or the chain plate?

Anyone reset one of these on a Starlight 35 without butchering the headlining. There is no access to the chain plate underneath.

View attachment 41706
 
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I think if I were in your position I would investigate the toe rail further, it will cost less and not take as time and effort as the chain plate, you might be lucky and fix the problem, thus avoiding a much larger, longer and more expensive repair.

Good luck and fair winds. :)
 
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As a fellow starlight owner, I would not rush to think it is either of these, but perhaps a simpler source. The problem with the starlight GRP headlining system is that water can enter much further away from where it appears in the cabin, and travel along the headlining. For example, the headlining has a small return lip at the edge, locally cut away round the chain plate area so not surprising it is emerging in the cabin at this point.

I would look at the deck steel grab rails, and also the window seating. My 35 was built in 1993, and small water leaks were traced to failing sealant between the window frames and the coach roof.
 
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As a fellow starlight owner, I would not rush to think it is either of these, but perhaps a simpler source. The problem with the starlight GRP headlining system is that water can enter much further away from where it appears in the cabin, and travel along the headlining. For example, the headlining has a small return lip at the edge, locally cut away round the chain plate area so not surprising it is emerging in the cabin at this point.

I would look at the deck steel grab rails, and also the window seating. My 35 was built in 1993, and small water leaks were traced to failing sealant between the window frames and the coach roof.


Ah. Good pointers - thanks.
 
Hi All,

Just in case someone stumbles apon this in the future the fix was a combination of;

1. Windows leaking from the handle (O-ring)
2. Coach roof handrail (main leak) that needed resealing/tightening
3. Loose bolts in Genoa track, geny track ends, toerail

no.2 was bar far the biggest culprit.

Looking forward to dryness. The recent wetness has not shown any new leaks.
 
I have a 39, and had been getting some dampness in a couple of cupboards where the chainplates come through the deck. I got a boat builder to loosen off the shrouds and re-bed them in with sikaflex and the problem has now gone away. If you are based near Southampton, I can give you his details.
 
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