[C320-list] new problem

[jim brown]

I'm not sure that this problem has come up before and I can't find anything on it is the archives. While getting the boat (2004) ready for the season I noticed that a few of the screws on the piano hinge that attaches the port locker lid to the cockpit were loose. When I tried to tighten there was no "bite" so I went to a larger screw (what else?). Still just spun around. I put a metal skewer in the holes and it went in in some of the forward holes about 4 inches and came out wet with some wood on it. Obviously water had run down to the hinge and in the screw holes and caused the balsa core to rot. Couple of things. 

1. Has anyone had this problem?
2. I can cut out the glass behind the hinge and try to get out all the core and refill with core material and epoxy so the hinge would cover the repair
3. I could cut out the area from inside the locker and get at it that way so the repair wouldn't be visible at least (the area is close to the primary winch (that I'm told is in solid glass) and the turning block so it might give a better idea of how far th rot goes

Any thoughts? It might be good to check this area on your boats and if all's OK think about a bead of caulk or butyl tape behind the hinge  or drilling out the holes and filling with epoxy and then re-drilling for the screws. This area can't help but collect water and there are a couple dozen screws.


Jim Brown     "Desafinado"