Pilot House Door Frame Leak

[exsailor]

Anyone ever have water coming out at the base of the pilot house forward vertical door frame on a 53? My suspicion is it's coming from the lower door track into that wood frame somehow. All paint peeling and water seeping is below where the track comes into the vertical.

Since she has been in heated storage since October, I'd like to get it fixed while it's dry. Any suggestions?

 

[MikeP]

You are talking about the 53MY side doors right? When does this water appear? During rain or boat washing? If so:

The screws holding the flybridge onto the cabin roof are a known leak problem for these boats. Rebedding all the FB screws with 5200 or something similar - NOT silicone! - is a good thing to do regardless of whether you currently have leaks or not.

Also, the wire chases, of which there is one at the aft end of the two side doors under the paneling inside the boat, often have water running down them because of wires that are improperly routed. THe wires in the FB going to the chases should run below the level of the chase hose (which sticks up above the chase several inches) and then UP and into the chase. Alternatively, if the wires are routed above the level of the hose, they should have drip loops in them so water can drain off the wire BEFORE it enters the chase. There are wire chases from the FB into the eng room as well and they can do the same thing.

If I'm understanding where the leaks are occcuring, either of these items can cause it. If I misunderstood the description...sorry!

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Is the keeper piece on the outside letting the water out of the track. I'm talking about the aluminum strip that runs outside of the bottom track that keeps the door from jumping off. I noticed that both of mine have two holes drilled at the aft end to let water drain out of the track area. I don't think these are OEM as there are other weep holes in that piece that are oblong. My thought is that if the water sits there and can't get out, maybe that is way it is getting in.

Byron, I noticed that on your boat you also have a slight bow down orientation with all of that big anchor chain you have. Does the water actually drain from that track to the back area to get out or does it flow forward?

If you have drainage and you still have this problem, the next step would be to seal up that area. Since it is all teak, I would start by removing the door and the bottom track. Then paint it with several coats of penetrating epoxy and reassemble.

One more thought: I remember that you had a list that you finally cured. That too may have contributed to water standing in the track area.

 

[exsailor]

Sky, Mike

I do have outboard track drain slots but next week I will just pour some water on the track and see which way it flows.

Did I mention STB side only?

I believe it is rain related.

 

[pmurphy]

Is the keeper piece on the outside letting the water out of the track. I'm talking about the aluminum strip that runs outside of the bottom track that keeps the door from jumping off. I noticed that both of mine have two holes drilled at the aft end to let water drain out of the track area. I don't think these are OEM as there are other weep holes in that piece that are oblong. My thought is that if the water sits there and can't get out, maybe that is way it is getting in.

Byron, I noticed that on your boat you also have a slight bow down orientation with all of that big anchor chain you have. Does the water actually drain from that track to the back area to get out or does it flow forward?

If you have drainage and you still have this problem, the next step would be to seal up that area. Since it is all teak, I would start by removing the door and the bottom track. Then paint it with several coats of penetrating epoxy and reassemble.

One more thought: I remember that you had a list that you finally cured. That too may have contributed to water standing in the track area.

I've determined that I too have a leak originating from under the door track. What is the process for removing the door in order to remove the track. Does the door just lift up and out or do you have to remove the (aft) stops and slid it out?
Thanks.