stem and stern post rot solutions

[matt connolly]

Anyone out there that's rebuilt a classic and dealt with rot in stem and stern posts and have any ideas for fixing?

[andy solywoda]

Ahoy Matt,

Unfortunately I have run into this. The stern cross tube has a fitting that bolts to the sternpost. While the bolt hole was properly recessed and sealed, the fitting had a flaw in the design, it caused a little pool of rainwater to puddle at the upper bolt head. Probably due to freezing and thawing, this caused intrusion into the sternpost. It didn't become evident until a crack formed in the sheathing. The layers of wood in the sternpost are protected by the epoxy glue lines, so damage is limited, but any piece of wood that starts to rot has the fungus in it and will probably continue to rot, even after removing all the soft wood. Borate solution will arrest the rot, but it is hard to get into the lower parts of the sternpost. I have a set of 3 drill bits that are very long, maybe 3-4 feet, and used these to probe deep into the wood. The borate I used was an ethylene glycol solution. In areas where I have used it previously it seems to put an end to the rot. Working in the interior space in the stern is difficult due to the narrow space. I used treated wood to replace what was removed and colloidal silica/epoxy paste. In my case it was not necessary to remove much before I had solid wood. Catching it early is good. If a boat is unattended and the damage is extensive, it might be easier to remove the entire sternpost and build it out again.

[andy solywoda]

http://www.sailblogs.com/member/kaimusailing/?xjMsgID=275394

[matt connolly]

Thanks Andy,in my case the stem post is gonna need to be opened up and some re-lamination,but not sure about the stern posts,they don't seem to bad,could you drill some holes and inject apoxy or endure?