E35 Hull Moisture
From: Rich Rogers richrogers@katewwdb.com
Date: March 21, 2005
A quick note to expose a potential problem that some folks may encounter. We hauled November 1st and had the hull 'peeled' for a new barrier coat. After a few months of 'drying' we found moisture meter readings too high in 2 places. Back to that in just a minute.
Meanwhile, I tore into the port setee birth to see why the bulkhead was separating from the top. I found the water tank was pushing the bulkhead out, so, I went in deeper and found that the water tanks were secured with expandable foam (like 'Great Stuff'). Seemed dry, however, a little section of dry rot prompted me to start digging in the foam...as I went in it got wetter and wetter until I reached the hull. At the hull it was like being in the shower...really wet. Obviously this moisture came from various deck fitting leakage over many years.
Anyway, I tore out the water tanks, both port and starboard, got the area completely dried out, and yes, this cured the moisture readings problems. Within 6 weeks we were dry enough to begin the barrier coat applications. As of yesturday we are ready for bottom paint, repositioning the stands, more work on the areas under the stands...and maybe, back in the water April 1st !!
Hope that helps someone down the road.
