I have a 1973 westsail 32 which I bought relatively recently.  The boat is in great need of TLC.  The previous owner said he always had leaking at the caprails, and this must be part of the reason.  There are pretty significant cracks running under the caprails at the gunwales (bulwarks?) on the outboard side.  Is this a common problem?   Pictured here are the caprail, chain plate and crack.  What would be the best way to deal with this?  On one side the crack is almost half the length for the boat, on the other side it is shorter.  Does it need to be glassed over? and would it need to be opened up more first? or could it just be filled with something like poly-sulfide....

Andrea:  Does this crack exist all along the bulwarks / caprail - almost looks like a repair that came loose after an impact or possible a repair during manufacturing? 

Jay

Ahoy Andrea,

On the early W-32's the hull top ended about at that height in many areas.  The height varied.  The deck mould sits on a shear clamp just above the hull edge.  The gap that was left between the deck mould and the hull mould, under the cap rail, was originally filled with a polyester "Bondo".  Cracking of this bondo was/is inevitable and needs to be refilled.  This is not a big job.  I can not say positively that that is what the crack is but I am 90%+ sure.

To make the best repair it is recommended to dig out and clean as much of the gap as possible.  The recommended new fill would be determined by the person doing the job.  Over the years it has been refilled with polyester, epoxy, polysulfide, polyurethane, and probably a dozen other substances.  Let some other people make some suggestions to you.  (Are you listening Norm?)

I will be in the bay area the last week of June and could take a look at it if that is of any assistance.

Good luck and keep us informed.      Dave

Andrea, for a minute there I thought you took a photo of our 1972, 32'. Westsail Co. learned things from our earlier boats.  Dave pretty much explains it.  I recaulked Glorious several times. Finally decided to use 5200.  You know the rule.  If you ever want it to come apart.... Well, I decided I didn't want the deck to come off the hull.  Another rule; Never use alcohol on 5200.  It will come apart. Another rule; always know what chemicals are in the paint.  So we scraped all the gooy 5200 out and did it again 2 years ago.  So far, so good but the jury is still out.  The first 5200 job kept us dry inside down to Mexico and over to Hawaii.  The return voyage to Washington was just the opposite. I think you are on the right track.  Get much and various info. and good luck.
Gerald

After more digging I found in the members area:

Caprail leak repair - Jay Bietz

Great pics and narrative in there.

 I also found another  solid method to kill the leaky capril issue.  (http://www.geocities.com/fluidmotion2/home_frame.html)  Look under projects in New Zealand.


All I can say is WOW to all parties who have done caprail work!!!