Deck/Hull Joint

[SereneWarrior]

Have SERENITY (1970 53 MY) out of the water for my winter projects this year and for the first time in the four years I've owned her I look up at the hull sides, etc. All the way aft on the port quarter of the boat I've noticed a 1/2" to 3/4" gap between the lip where the deck moulding overlaps the hull moulding. All the rest of the way around the boat the fitting is much closer and appears to be sealed. I don't think this indicates anything structurally wrong and there is no indication of any damage other than this gap. To be clear, the deck moulding sits tightly on top of the hull moulding and there is no light showing between them, just a sizeable overhang at the port aft quarter. It hasn't leaked in the 4 years I've run the boat, including some pretty rough seas. Is this anything to worry about or is it "normal" and simply two mouldings that don't quite match? My thought is simply to fill in the gap with marine sealer and be happy. Any input from the assembled experts?

 

[J's Dream]

My '69 45C is screwed, bolted, and fiberglassed from the inside. There are gaps on my boat just like you describe, but since mine is glassed together, I've never been concerned with it.

Is there someplace you can get your head in there and see if your hull and cap are fiberglassed? Looks like a continuous tabbing that you'd see on a bulkhead.

 

[DCMY #92]

Our Hat is a 1965 41 DCMY. There are caulked gaps of various widths around the joint, but none are as large as you describe. As previously stated, if nothing appears to have moved, and the joint is caulked I doubt it is a problem.

 

[boatwright]

our 71 53 has the same gap you have. there is wood in ours to fill the area. since the transom and stem are ares that are riged and not able to be "tweeked"when the boat is being made,the deck mold will often allow for a little extra wiggle room at these areas.this helps eliminate a potential fit problem in assembly.