1984 Mac leaking at the spreaders

[augustasail]

I have rain coming inside where the spreaders connect to the top deck. Dont see any cracks up top.. but water is running down the strap inside that supports the spreaders.. any ideas?

[mastreb]

I think you mean you have water penetrating at the chain plates, which is where the side stays connect to the deck. Search this forum for leaking chain plates and you'll find plenty of advice on re-sealing this common problem area (on all sailboats)

Matt

[augustasail]

Great help Matt

[Freedom77]

I removed the plates from the deck which cover the hole which the chainplate goes through, sealed them with boat life and replaced. Haven't had a leak since. Good Luck. Fair Winds and Full Sails....Old Salt

[stone_love]

x2

if plates are leaking they are probably loose.

remove, clean, re epoxy in place and re seal

have a few beers and get back to sailing!!

[dlandersson]

If the plates have been leaking - they may be corroding also. Inspect before next season.

x2

if plates are leaking they are probably loose.

remove, clean, re epoxy in place and re seal

have a few beers and get back to sailing!!

[Memphisron]

If no one minds and I am not intruding... I am getting ready to make an offer on a '84 Mac 25. However, when I went to look at her this weekend it was right after a major down pour. I noticed that it was dripping under the wood trim on the port side (about opposite the outside rub rail). Current owner trailers it. I intend to keep it at a marina so constant rain would wreck havoc if I haven't been around for a week or so. Is what I am explaining a leak from the "spreaders"? If not, can someone tell me if what I have is common to an older Mac? (Let me know if I have to start a new thread). Thanks!

[AlaskaMC]

If no one minds and I am not intruding... I am getting ready to make an offer on a '84 Mac 25. However, when I went to look at her this weekend it was right after a major down pour. I noticed that it was dripping under the wood trim on the port side (about opposite the outside rub rail). Current owner trailers it. I intend to keep it at a marina so constant rain would wreck havoc if I haven't been around for a week or so. Is what I am explaining a leak from the "spreaders"? If not, can someone tell me if what I have is common to an older Mac? (Let me know if I have to start a new thread). Thanks!

I have this same issue on my M25 1981, but it is VERY minor and after a week of rain I may have a few teaspoons of water in the boat. I enquired about it and got two different possible issues. 1. Chain plates/tabs (covered above and many threads on this) 2. The hull deck seam. The person I talked to with that issue removed the rub rail, removed old sealant and sealed again with 4200.

My boat is at a marina and it just gets the starboard side wall slightly wet and the bottom nut on the chainplate has the slightest sign of rust. I will have to check everything for corrosion this winter. But, this is normal maintenance on 30 year old sailboats and should be checked even if there was no leak.

Great boat, make an offer and sail it like you stole it.

[cptron]

The person I talked to with that issue removed the rub rail, removed old sealant and sealed again with 4200.

Can you tell me who removed the rub rail and resealed so I can pm them? I too have found what appears to be the rub rail leaking. I want to fix it but don't want to tackle a major endeavor.
Ron

[RobertB]

I believe the rub rail leaking is not complicated - but it not simple or easy. If the rest of the boat is sound, go for it.