And she said "that doesn't sound good"

[Beefer]

I added another rod holder today. Yay! Now I have 2 (previous owner only had one ).

Anyway, When I drilled into the gunwale, the core (plywood) was damp/wet/moist.

I'm not sure how or why this would have happened. Along the gunwale (starboard side) there is; a cleat 15" aft of where I drilled, then there is the fuel fill about 36" forward, then from there the bowrail (about 48"+ forward). The gelcoat along the entire side appears to be fine, no cracks, chips, or other damage. No topside screws, and below, there are screw-in zip-ties, but they are attached to the inner hull, not the cap. Any ideas how the core got wet? And more importantly, what, if anything, can/should I do?

It's a 1984 SportCraft Walkaround, 22'. I'm feeling a little uneasy about this new find.

 

[Beefer]

Re: And she said "that doesn't sound good"

Oh, and the title is what my wife said when I told her about the wet core...

 

[BWT]

Re: And she said "that doesn't sound good"

Most likely the water got in through the deck fittings (cleat and fuel fill). Originally they were put in with some type of bedding compound (caulking) but over time this compound dries up, shrinks and cracks out; typically after 7-10 years (or less in some cases). In order to stop any more water from getting in, you'll need to re-bed these fittings (and probably any others on the boat; if these are leaking, more than likely there are others!). You'll need to remove each of the fittings, clean the mounting area of any dirt, old compound, etc. and give a final wipe down with acetone. For a deck fitting that is mounted with screws or bolts, use 3M 4000uv OR 3M 4200 (DO NOT USE SILICONE or 3M 5200!!!!!!). Apply an 1/8" bead around the perimeter of the fitting making sure to get a little blob over eack of the screw / bolt holes. When you re-mount it and tighten things up, there should be compound oozing out around the edge of the fitting (if there isn't then you don't have a good seal). Let this excess set overnight and cure (until stiff) and remove it with a razor blade or chisel. If you try to wipe off the excess while still wet (goo'ey), you'll just have a sticky mess on your hands (and the hardware)

As far as dealing with the rot, that can open up a can of worms. Without being able to see what you're facing, it's difficult to give any direction... Post some pics or search the forum and you should be able to figure out where to start. Good luck!
Hope this helps!

 

[foodfisher]

Re: And she said "that doesn't sound good"

Check for missing/loose sealant along the rubrail

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: And she said "that doesn't sound good"

I would tend to agree with BWT on this one..Hardware on the deck.

I would Remove and Reseal all the hardware/fittings. ( like BWT suggested )

I dont think it could be from your hull/deck joint ( rub-rail ). Those fasteners are normally going through glass only and not the deck.

For resealing the hardware do as Bwt described ( I like to caulk Around each hole instead of on the hole ).

If you like to clean up right away..use Mineral spirits and paper towels .

YD.