Leak Update

[Despacio]

I finally found the source of the leaks in the port side of the aft cabin. When they built the boat they used screws that either were too long, or they actually meant to pierce the fiberglass cabin side.

I always suspected the forward screw, but dug out the polysulfide sealant between the cabin side and the teak deck. Never found how the water got inside, but it did somehow. Unfortunately I pulled just about all deck screws thinking one of them HAD to be the source.

The inside paneling was heavily damaged so I just ripped it out. You can see the holes if you look close. I drilled them out to accept a large syringe. The forward one had different sealers smeared between the inside paneling and the cabin side so someone else tried unsuccessfully to stop that leak before.

I filled them all and it just rained. Not one drop of water, anywhere. I finally have a boat that does not leak. The following all were problems that have been fixed!
Windows
deck fasteners
Hawse Holes
Scuppers
Cap railing joints and edges
Stanchion hardware
Edges of the wooden hatch (at the miter)
The above interior panel fasteners

Now to replace all of the paneling on the two sides. I believe I decided on Luan plywood covered with a vinyl with a pattern.

[jcollins]

Congratulations on finding/fixing your leak. Thanks for posting this information. It will be helpful to other members.

[Despacio]

Look what I found when removing my teak decks. This makes five long interior screws that came through and ran into the teak. This one didn't leak . . . yet.

[lmustico]

I have a 1978 Albin 33 without teak decks, but do have leaking in the aft cabin. Always suspected the windows were the casue of the leaks but will look at the deck/sidewall joints this spring. Don't recall seeing any seams there. Think mine is molded fiberglass construction. Hull was built in 78 but sold as a 79 model.

[Despacio]

Windows are a big source of leaks. I replaced mine.

[lmustico]

What type of window did you use?

[jleonard]

My side windows leaked because the tracking for sliding was shot, and because there were never drainholes drilled in the channel. Drains were in the teak, but not the channel. I drilled multiple and oversized holes. Now they are dry

[Despacio]

What type of window did you use?

I custom ordered them through Mark Plastics. I removed the old windows and made flat cardboard templates, rolled them up and mailed them. The windows open, have screens, and don't leak. They were not as expensive as I thought. MARK PLASTICS, 369 E. Harrison St., Unit G, Corona, CA. 92879. Tel: 909 735-7705

My old port window didn't leak, but the starboard would drip on a foggy day. It leaked so bad it was crazy. The port side looked like someone spent "what ever it took" to make it not leak. Not so much on the other side.

[lmustico]

Thanks. Did you replace all cabin windows? My main cabin side windows don't leak. The port windshield leaks some, but the worst leaks are from the aft cabin windows on both sides and the stern.

[Despacio]

Thanks. Did you replace all cabin windows? My main cabin side windows don't leak. The port windshield leaks some, but the worst leaks are from the aft cabin windows on both sides and the stern.

My only window leaks were the aft cabin side windows. I'd bet those are almost everyone's problem. I only replaced those two.

It rained a bit last night, new leak above starboard aft cabin side window. Has to be a screw in the teak eyebrow over the window. The water ran down the inside of the fiberglass above the window, down the window frame, then dripped off the lower corner of the window. It looked like the leak was at the corner of the window.

Of course this ruined the newly replaced interior paneling.

I guess this is the way it will be, as all the sealant the boat was put together with 30 years ago is only good for 30 years.