You probably should have filled the core area with some filled epoxy to
make sure that it is properly sealed from any water that does make it
past the caulking.

On 2006-06-14 03:06:49 -0400, Jere Lull said:

In article x4yig.197$n93.147@trndny07,
"Thomas Wentworth" wrote:

On starboard side of boat. Near where chainplates come through. But,
can't seem to find source.

What would you all do? If you have re-sealed your chainplates lately;
could you give me an update on the method. My rig is up so the room
around the chainplate covers is limited.

It IS possible to remove the starboard shrouds and temporarily support
the mast with various halyards so you can pull everything out and do it
right...

BUT first determine whether it's the chainplate! Make a dam around any
suspected item with putty or whatever's to hand, fill with water, see
if the level drops and it leaks where you're expecting. (it might leak,
but might not be the leak you're chasing!)

I solved our chainplate leaks by removing them and cutting back the
deck core, NOT the fiberglass, with chisel, router bit chucked into a
drill or whatever. I removed about half an inch of core all around the
plate.

Then degrease everything up with acetone, reinstall the chainplate, and
fill the cavity with LifeCaulk or similar (not 5200, though I was
tempted.) Tape the underside so the caulk doesn't drip, but it's not
bad to caulk the edge of the bulkhead underneath. Then put on the top
plate as another mentioned.

Don't use silicone. Nothing sticks to where it was, and you'll have to
do this again in a few years. Part of maintenance.

The logic behind this: Caulk depends upon elasticity to maintain it's
seal as parts work around. A 1/8" "rubber" band won't stretch nearly as
far as a 1/2" one before it breaks.

All that said, one leak has eluded me for a decade. I swear the water's
flowing uphill...... Drips right on my dinner plate.