Rusty leak from gunwale in Freedom 235

[JJJ]

I have a 2021 Freedom 235 with side bolsters. I noticed some water drips coming from the gunwale underneath the bolster on the starboard side. I removed the bolster and see that the rusty drip is coming from one of the holes created by the center fastening screw holding the bolster on. I removed and recaulked all of the screws holding the bolster brackets to no avail. I don’t understand where the water would be coming in from, and also don’t know what could be rusting. The area behind these holes appears to be a larger support beam so perhaps some non stainless fittings inside? Any thoughts from the forum? Thanks in advance.

 

[seasick]

The three holes on the lower edge of the gunnel is where the screw that holds the bolster in place is screwed in. Normally the screw is inserted into one of the grommets in the bottom area of the bolster into the gunnel.
It seems that the bolsters may have been reinstalled a few times, hence the three holes instead of one. Those holes should be cleaned out and filled with something like Marinstex.
Make sure the screws used to reattach the bolster are stainless. Make a new hole and when the bolster is attached, feel on the back for penetrations of the screws. If you feel them dab some sealant like Like Caulk on the exposed screw threads

 

[DennisG01]

The brown color looks alot more like wet wood color, to me. If there's wood in those holes (did you look inside or even just look up underneath?) - then that explains it - simple enough, water gets behind the bolsters and wicks in.

 

[Hookup1]

My corner bolster that wrapped around was a constant source of brown stain running down inside the boat. When I finally opened it up I found there was a wooden corner connecting the plastic side bolster backing. I fabricated a new corner piece with stainless piano wire and epoxy "plastic wood". Recover bolsters and problem solved.

I would do an epoxy repair on those screw holes. Color match isn't that important - they are hidden anyway. Looks like my mounting points are cored. When you drill new holes give them a little caulk squirt before finishing up.

Get a good staple remover and remove the vinyl fabric from the bolsters. Look for any wood inside. You can re-use the vinyl if you take it off carefully but I would just replace it.

 

[JJJ]

Thanks. I plan to drill out all of the holes and filling with epoxy before reattaching the bolster, but am still not sure how the water is getting into that area.

The three holes on the lower edge of the gunnel is where the screw that holds the bolster in place is screwed in. Normally the screw is inserted into one of the grommets in the bottom area of the bolster into the gunnel.
It seems that the bolsters may have been reinstalled a few times, hence the three holes instead of one. Those holes should be cleaned out and filled with something like Marinstex.
Make sure the screws used to reattach the bolster are stainless. Make a new hole and when the bolster is attached, feel on the back for penetrations of the screws. If you feel them dab some sealant like Like Caulk on the exposed screw threads

 

[DennisG01]

but am still not sure how the water is getting into that area.

Read my post.

 

[JJJ]

Read my post.

Thanks all. I would be surprised if there was any wood under the gel coat. Will try your suggestions.

 

[Hookup1]

Thanks all. I would be surprised if there was any wood under the gel coat. Will try your suggestions.

Grab it with your hand and feel the stepped thickness. Wood under mine!

This isn't the most structurally important part of the boat. Fill it with GitRot and get on with it.