Deck Delamination
Date: October 24, 2002
From: RICK BALL EDMServices@aol.com
I HAVE BEEN CHASING LEAKS ALL SUMMER ON MY E32 #403 AND AFTER REPAIRING THE OBVIOUS WINDOWS AND HATCH SEALS I AM LEFT WITH THE SMALL TRIM STRIP OVER THE WINDOWS WHICH I DISCOVERED HAD HOLES THAT WERE DRILLED THRU THE GLASS AND NOT SEALED VERY WELL AT ALL (EASY FIX) AND MY LAST PROBLEM, THE HANDRAILS.
THESE RAILS SEEM TO BE THE SOURCE OF SMALL LEAKS THAT RUN DOWN THE HEAD LINER AND SHOW UP AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE HEADLINER AND THE WOOD BUKHEAD LINER.
NOW THE JOB OF REMOVING AND REBEDDING THE HANDRAILS THEMSELVES DOES NOT PRESENT A HUGE PROBLEM, BUT REMOVAL OF THIS BEAUTIFUL HEADLINER SEEMS TO BE NECESSARY AND A BIG JOB.
I AM HOPING TO FIND SOMEONE THAT HAS BEEN THERE DONE THAT, OR HAS FOUND AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR THIS REPAIR.
I MAY BE ASSUMING TO MUCH TO THINK THE RAILS ARE BOLTED THRU, BUT I REALLY CAN'T IMAGINE THE'RE NOT.
ANY HELP WOULD CERTAINLY BE APPRECIATED.
Date: October 30, 2002
From: Fred Altmann altmann@012.net.il
Hi Rick,
I'm answering, but going on hunches according the experience I have with our E38. No, not everything is bolted thru. For instance the stanchions are not. The stoppers I put on the deck are not, winches are though.
I would therefore proceed and try my luck assuming non bolt-thru for the handrails.
If that does not work, it is not too much work to take the lining off. I have done it several times, when the cabin electricity needed some extra points. The lining comes off in parts after you have taken away the small strips of teak around the lining, above the windows. Typical job for the electric screw driver to get the zillions of black screws out.
Date: October 30, 2002
From: Richard Sutton rsutton@optonline.net
Rick;
We've been putting off the same repair on our E35 #38, for years now, but next season it has to be done. The handrails are indeed through bolted. I was able to tighten up the leaking nut slightly, without turning the bolt shaft, but to do the right job, they'll have to be removed completely. I want to remove the headliner and toss it -- replace it with perforated fabric (breathable!) or better yet, use white cedar battens for an old-fashioned slatted liner. I'll pass on the results if I go through with it. Good luck with yours!
Date: November 4, 2002
From: David Olson olson@tbcnet.com
The handrails on my 38CC are through bloted, I can feel the nuts through the headliner. I did remove a portion of the headliner in the Aft cabin, not pretty. replacing it was even worse. Sorry I can't be more help.
Date: November 24, 2002
From: Jon Richards Endeav35@aol.com
When my yard added a winch and clutches to the cabin top of my E35 they neatly cut the headliner and when finished installing the gear placed attractive teak backing plates over the cuts, a very neat job. You might consider something like that. I have the same problem you're facing on my E38 and am not happy about dropping the entire headliner so I'm also groping around for alternatives. In my '86 E38 the rails are definitely thru bolted, I can feel the bolts through the liner material.
I'd be interested in receiving comments on this.
