Overhead removal - 81 A36

[dgulliver]

We are plagued with leaks along the port side, over the door area. I would like to remove the overhead panel section in that area and have a look. Does anyone know how it was attached to the athwartship overhead support stringers above? The material is so thin, it seems like it was glued up? No signs of fasteners. I don't thing they put up thin plywood and covered it with material that gives it the matte like appearance.
At present I'm considering cutting along the stringer edges across the ceiling to remove them a section at a time. Then using teak strips to secure them back in place, attaching the strips into the ceiling stringers. This would provide us with good future access for service, etc.

Advice and information would be greatly appreciated!

Don
81 Albin 36
Right Boat!

[brookesmith]

I am puzzeled as you are about the salon overhead material and how it's up there. My guess is you have a leak on the port side fly bridge around or behind the seats. Before you go cutting anything get some clear silicone caulking and caulk along the floor and also the trim board on the outside of the fly bridge. Our flybridge has rain water running forward and puddling in those areas. It's a cheap fix to see if you can stop the water before you tear out the overhead. Also there are drain holes in the front and back seats where the wall meets the seats at the floor. Since we put a full enclosure we don't get water there. But you might have to clean those hoes out with a coat hanger. I actually sealed off the back holes to keep water from running forward into the unknown areas under the seats. Good luck and let me know anything you find.