Tim, thanks for the extensive write ups on this and the anchor locker! I’ll be having a peek at mine.
Ref: stainless square drive screws—here’s a note from Dave Allen to me when I was looking for the silicon bronze teak header trim screws. They were helpful and sent them out quickly.
"We purchase our screws from Seattle Nut & Bolt. We probably have at least a hundred or so different screws and sizes all provided by SNB. Some hardware stores sell bronze square drive head screws but I would contact our supplier. Marty & Brad from Seattle Nut & Bolt should be able to get you what you need. Their phone number is (253) 220-8347. “
I also wonder if anyone uses the black butyl caulk to bed/seal portholes anymore? That’s what I received with some portholes from Newfound Metals in Port Townsend (different boat). Old school, but wow it works well. Total mess if you ever had to clean it up I suppose!
Best,
Ben
37-202
On Oct 8, 2025, at 10:19, Tim Cooper via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:
Evan,
Thanks for the suggestions. I tend to agree with you about silicone, but it is what Beckson recommends and what NT used originally. I was able to get all the residue off with scraping then sanded the gelcoat edge and the epoxy coated foam core with 60 grit followed by clean up with acetone.
Tim
From: Evan Effa via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 7:26 AM
To: Association South East Nordic Tugs Owners' (SENTOA) sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Tim Cooper tccooper1@comcast.net; Evan Effa eheffa@gmail.com
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
HI,
Sounds like an ordeal!
For what it's worth, silicone sealant should be avoided at all costs... It does not seal out water very well and inhibits other sealants from producing a good seal or bond.
I would suggest removing all the residual silicone with brake cleaning fluid and using Sikaflex or similar sealants for a much better repair.
Good luck.
-Evan
TUGAWAY
NT 37-148
Victoria, BC
On Oct 8, 2025, at 07:13, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Update Starboard hanging locker leak:
I started by pulling the carpet back inside the cabinets to get access to the station bases and the upper rub rail forward of the hanging locker. I also removed the ceiling piece from the starboard bow. This is the first time I have removed a ceiling panel. In addition to the teak trim screws and the exposed screws there are screws along the seam that are hidden by the foam and vinyl.
Using high pressure and flooding several times I was unable to find any leaks around the stations or the rub rail. I moved to the port light and on my first check I saw a wet spot and then a drip. There was no evidence of water on the inside near the port. I did remove inside screws looking for wetness but just some rusty screws. In fact, two screws broke as I reinserted them with very little force.
Before removal I wanted to get silicone and screws on order. I was unable to find the same screw in square drive, 316 stainless. They were available in 304 stainless but with broken screws I didn’t want to push my luck, so I decided to deal with Phillips. I will replace all 96 screws.
After removing all the screws, with a sharpened putty knife I removed the trim ring and picked out the seal around the port. It was much easier than I expected. The port was out in less than 15 minutes; the time-consuming part was removing the silicone from the port. The original black silicone came off easy but the clear silicone that had been spread all over the outside of the port was very difficult to remove. I was surprised at how well this 23-year-old port light looked once it was cleaned up.
I started on the port side following the same process as the starboard side but didn’t remove the ceiling. After lots of spraying I was unable to find any leaks or wetness near the stations, rub rail or hanging locker. I removed a lower inside screw from the port and it was wet. I removed the port in same manner as above.
I reinstalled the two ports and re-bedded them. I tightened the inside screws tight and left the outside screws loose so as not to squeeze the silicone out. I had one inside screw and eight outside screws stripped. I used polyurethane glue and toothpicks to tighten up the screws. On the next four I will fix the holes before reinserting the ports
While testing the rub rail I noted that there are backer-boards glassed in along the edge but there are gaps without. Near the forward cleats is one area without. On the starboard side there were dimples where screws were just poking through or almost poking through. On the port side in the same spot a screw was through the hull by 0.5-0.75 inches. I would like to put in a backer with thickened epoxy, but I haven’t checked clearances yet. I am sure there was a reason it was done this way.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2025 6:22 AM
To: 'South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA)' <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper <tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
All,
To start, actions from suggestions.
I sprayed with pressure and soaked/flooded the vertical bow strips without any water intrusion.
I purchased some of the duct seal to use in the future. I used it to separate the locker sides and it worked great.
The PO had grids of starboard made to fit the bottom of each locker side to keep the rode out of remaining water.
I traded emails with Dave Allen at Nordic Tug. He explained how the factory does it today. He was very helpful.
Our anchor locker appears to be all custom. When it was split in two there was a drain put in both sides, smaller than what NT does today. Then in 2017 the floor was rebuilt. After removing the clam shells on the hull, it exposed football shaped holes larger than the drain holes in the locker. With a pick I was able to feel the inside of the hull and then the anchor locker structure, I assume, since I couldn’t see in there. I didn’t find anything that I thought would keep water out of the bilge. So, I cleaned around the holes down to fiberglass and drilled the holes out a little to get rid of any of the plastic-ish coating that was put on before. I found filament wound epoxy tubes at Tap Plastics (od 0.37”, id 0.296) that I cut long. Then filled all around the tube with Sikaflex 291, replaced the clamshells, sealed around the tube in the locker without moving the tubes. I had to rework some of the sealant in one locker but all is dry in the bilge now. I filled both sides of the locker with 6-8 inches of water, several times, and ran the hose into the clamshells for minutes.
Next week I will start trying to find the leak causing the starboard side hanging locker floor to be wet.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Tom Patterson via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 8:39 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper <tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net>; Tom Patterson <tpatterson888@gmail.com mailto:tpatterson888@gmail.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
On 32-251 (2005) there is a single anchor chain drain. It consists of a piece of 1/2” copper tube flaired on the inside. Mine was about 1/2” above the bottom of the locker. To raise the bottom and level it, I used thicken West Epoxy allowing it to self level. After that I also added two layers of DriDek to make sure the chain was not sitting in water.
To diagnose the drain, I used tapered rubber corks (first on inside and then on outside) to see if the water might be traveling around the outside of the copper tube. No leaks.
BTW, I found using my cellphone to inspect areas on the inside very useful.
~Tom
On Sep 17, 2025, at 07:28, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Thank you everyone for all the great advice, it is really appreciated.
I started yesterday on the V berth leak focusing on the anchor locker. I omitted what I had done this summer on my original post. After reading the archive, while in Petersburg, I unloaded the anchors and found the bottom of the lockers had a plastic-ish coating. The PO noted having the anchor locker floor rebuilt in 2017. After inspection, I got some plastic tubing and some 4200. I put the 4200 on the tubing and slid it into the drain holes. I had no time to test if it helped or hurt. I gave the 4200 the night to cure and loaded the anchor and we were on our way. I also went around the top rub rail and tightened all the screws.
I dried near the thruster and the battery then ran the thruster in both directions several times with no water intrusion. I unloaded the anchors. Trying to separate the two sides I tried to tape the hole between sides with good heavy-duty tape. It wouldn’t stick to the plastic-ish coating, I tried a couple types but no luck. So, I filled the locker with 6” of water and got a trickle forward of the thruster. I wanted to see if I could separate the drain tube from the floor. I tried using a Phillips screwdriver to plug the tubing in the drain hole but the tubing pushed out the hull and water gushed in forward of the thruster. I repeated pushing out the tubing on the port side with the same result. I finally thought of the foam cone I have for plugging holes in the hull to separate the two sides, it worked ok but the hole isn’t round. The 4200 couldn’t stick to the plastic-ish coating.
I am know focused on removing the plastic-ish coating and finding a tube material that can be epoxied in place. This is likely to take several days, if not longer.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Harry Hungate via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:11 PM
To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Harry Hungate <wcx7106@gmail.com mailto:wcx7106@gmail.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
We use Gardner-Bender Duct Seal to keep water from entering around the chain/hawse hole. Purchase at Home Depot or Lowes. Electricians use it to seal conduits and refer to it lovingly as "monkey shit".
Harry Hungate
Bessie NT 32-238
On Sep 16, 2025, at 12:23 PM, Richard Cohen via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
On our 37 (NT37-079) the grey water and head sink drains exited above the waterline so unlikely sources.
I replace the entire bow thruster which the factory had installed with 5200, there is a relatively small mounting surface on the thruster leg, but I suspect it is not that. If there is water intrusion there it should be obvious inside the grey metal mount under the motor. If you want/need to take out the bow thruster you need a 17mm cone wrench to hold the bolts behind cables on the lugs. https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Bicycle-Install-Remover-Spanner/dp/B089GFQQZT/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1OD9EX0MS238I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q9PUpcLcHu5-oji8GxuqT6awXifI3ehvILf1rn-EzqC7N64EGBJjbgYwRviDKL_lff0tz26L9Jb_G29I4ab_22OchfNMSCU_VXsbh9ctz3w49Z20WyFRUvqPbWF2qVHD8FBzQHI_YZurqXzIPDXyOSOj33PxDWeJtqJAF9QZzzqM0xMgC0FkosWqOE_waucuc9Q7orOmCYXhpi5VKHe6Wyck7T9MKf0Hmsb9_sQDt3nRHy9Wob06oMKeBpUbUntS9taJukmHp6kldst1gYemtizohl5CD50fQi1QwOH7pQ0.60ictV96fSqUnTkHmqdYIDOJjGPUGpQNopGRaCCG24w&dib_tag=se&keywords=17mm%2Bcone%2Bwrench&qid=1758039408&sprefix=17mm%2Bcone%2B%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1. Do not remove the cables without holding those backing nuts
My assumption is that significant saltwater leakage from the railing and other deck hardware would be hard to produce that much water, if it were fresh water from rain or hose that would make more sense.
I always used modeling clay wrapped around the chain in the hawser under the windless. In rough weather that can let in a ton of salt water. I might try a hose into that hawser and see if that flows into the under bunk area.
Good luck
Richard Cohen
Managing Partner
BOSTON http://www.bostoncio.com/CIO http://www.bostoncio.com/
BostonCIO LLC
(508) 265-7277 tel:(508)%20265-7277
RCohen@BostonCIO.com mailto:rcohen@bostoncio.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BostonCIO-LLC-209170469076/ | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bostoncio-llc
From: Ben McCafferty via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 11:48 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net; Ben McCafferty <bmacpiper@me.com mailto:bmacpiper@me.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
For both hanging lockers I’d suspect the portholes. The rubber seal in ours has to be perfectly “square” to seal properly. With a little twist in the seal it leaks, and that’s a straight shot down to your locker floors. I know you said walls are dry, but perhaps they dried after the leak and puddling happened? Are the walls carpeted? Have a look at the top of the lockers just below the portholes also—ours are slightly delaminated from other owners (and us) having had a leak there.
V-berth, the obvious thought there would be to start with the penetration of the thruster and go from there. Nothing else comes to mind right away, but perhaps another penetration nearby (grey water thru hull, head sink thru hull, etc.?).
Curious what you find!
On Sep 16, 2025, at 08:34, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
After cruising this summer we have more leaks than we were aware of so now it is time to address them. I have gone through the archive and seen mentions but no definite solutions. I will report back once leaks are identified and fixed. I would appreciate any help or guidance from all.
Saltwater under V-berth, this has existed since we have owned the boat 2018, I think. I dried it out near the thruster battery and up by the thruster. Just sitting no water, after cruising both places have saltwater. The level is always the same because excess flows to bilge pump. We are normally in freshwater so it hasn’t been a big concern but now it is time to dry it out.
Saltwater soaked floor in starboard hanging locker or closet. Using a moisture meter I haven’t found the path for the water. The walls in the closet are dry. This summer is the first time we have seen this.
Saltwater soaked floor in port hanging locker or closet. I haven’t done any investigation yet but it doesn’t seem to be as bad as the starboard side. This summer is the first time we have seen this.
Thanks
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
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We would typically use a silicone base sealant on plastic parts as it bonds
better than your typical urethane base sealants that are used more on the
metal or bronze parts. Butyl tape is still used in the marine environment
but the only drawback for me with Butyl is when the parts get hot from the
blistering sun the butyl material will melt and leave trails of residue.
Good suggestion on contacting Seattle Nut & Bolt for square head screws and
fasteners.
On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:22 AM Ben McCafferty via Sentoa <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Tim, thanks for the extensive write ups on this and the anchor locker!
I’ll be having a peek at mine.
Ref: stainless square drive screws—here’s a note from Dave Allen to me
when I was looking for the silicon bronze teak header trim screws. They
were helpful and sent them out quickly.
"We purchase our screws from Seattle Nut & Bolt. We probably have at least
a hundred or so different screws and sizes all provided by SNB. Some
hardware stores sell bronze square drive head screws but I would contact
our supplier. Marty & Brad from Seattle Nut & Bolt should be able to get
you what you need. Their phone number is (253) 220-8347. “
I also wonder if anyone uses the black butyl caulk to bed/seal portholes
anymore? That’s what I received with some portholes from Newfound Metals in
Port Townsend (different boat). Old school, but wow it works well. Total
mess if you ever had to clean it up I suppose!
Best,
Ben
37-202
On Oct 8, 2025, at 10:19, Tim Cooper via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
wrote:
Evan,
Thanks for the suggestions. I tend to agree with you about silicone, but
it is what Beckson recommends and what NT used originally. I was able to
get all the residue off with scraping then sanded the gelcoat edge and the
epoxy coated foam core with 60 grit followed by clean up with acetone.
Tim
From: Evan Effa via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 7:26 AM
To: Association South East Nordic Tugs Owners' (SENTOA) <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper tccooper1@comcast.net; Evan Effa eheffa@gmail.com
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
HI,
Sounds like an ordeal!
For what it's worth, silicone sealant should be avoided at all costs... It
does not seal out water very well and inhibits other sealants from
producing a good seal or bond.
I would suggest removing all the residual silicone with brake cleaning
fluid and using Sikaflex or similar sealants for a much better repair.
Good luck.
-Evan
TUGAWAY
NT 37-148
Victoria, BC
On Oct 8, 2025, at 07:13, Tim Cooper via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
wrote:
Update Starboard hanging locker leak:
I started by pulling the carpet back inside the cabinets to get access to
the station bases and the upper rub rail forward of the hanging locker. I
also removed the ceiling piece from the starboard bow. This is the first
time I have removed a ceiling panel. In addition to the teak trim screws
and the exposed screws there are screws along the seam that are hidden by
the foam and vinyl.
Using high pressure and flooding several times I was unable to find any
leaks around the stations or the rub rail. I moved to the port light and on
my first check I saw a wet spot and then a drip. There was no evidence of
water on the inside near the port. I did remove inside screws looking for
wetness but just some rusty screws. In fact, two screws broke as I
reinserted them with very little force.
Before removal I wanted to get silicone and screws on order. I was unable
to find the same screw in square drive, 316 stainless. They were available
in 304 stainless but with broken screws I didn’t want to push my luck, so I
decided to deal with Phillips. I will replace all 96 screws.
After removing all the screws, with a sharpened putty knife I removed the
trim ring and picked out the seal around the port. It was much easier than
I expected. The port was out in less than 15 minutes; the time-consuming
part was removing the silicone from the port. The original black silicone
came off easy but the clear silicone that had been spread all over the
outside of the port was very difficult to remove. I was surprised at how
well this 23-year-old port light looked once it was cleaned up.
I started on the port side following the same process as the starboard
side but didn’t remove the ceiling. After lots of spraying I was unable to
find any leaks or wetness near the stations, rub rail or hanging locker. I
removed a lower inside screw from the port and it was wet. I removed the
port in same manner as above.
I reinstalled the two ports and re-bedded them. I tightened the inside
screws tight and left the outside screws loose so as not to squeeze the
silicone out. I had one inside screw and eight outside screws stripped. I
used polyurethane glue and toothpicks to tighten up the screws. On the next
four I will fix the holes before reinserting the ports
While testing the rub rail I noted that there are backer-boards glassed in
along the edge but there are gaps without. Near the forward cleats is one
area without. On the starboard side there were dimples where screws were
just poking through or almost poking through. On the port side in the same
spot a screw was through the hull by 0.5-0.75 inches. I would like to put
in a backer with thickened epoxy, but I haven’t checked clearances yet. I
am sure there was a reason it was done this way.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Tim Cooper via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2025 6:22 AM
To: 'South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA)' <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper tccooper1@comcast.net
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
All,
To start, actions from suggestions.
I sprayed with pressure and soaked/flooded the vertical bow strips without
any water intrusion.
I purchased some of the duct seal to use in the future. I used it to
separate the locker sides and it worked great.
The PO had grids of starboard made to fit the bottom of each locker side
to keep the rode out of remaining water.
I traded emails with Dave Allen at Nordic Tug. He explained how the
factory does it today. He was very helpful.
Our anchor locker appears to be all custom. When it was split in two there
was a drain put in both sides, smaller than what NT does today. Then in
2017 the floor was rebuilt. After removing the clam shells on the hull, it
exposed football shaped holes larger than the drain holes in the locker.
With a pick I was able to feel the inside of the hull and then the anchor
locker structure, I assume, since I couldn’t see in there. I didn’t find
anything that I thought would keep water out of the bilge. So, I cleaned
around the holes down to fiberglass and drilled the holes out a little to
get rid of any of the plastic-ish coating that was put on before. I found
filament wound epoxy tubes at Tap Plastics (od 0.37”, id 0.296) that I cut
long. Then filled all around the tube with Sikaflex 291, replaced the
clamshells, sealed around the tube in the locker without moving the tubes.
I had to rework some of the sealant in one locker but all is dry in the
bilge now. I filled both sides of the locker with 6-8 inches of water,
several times, and ran the hose into the clamshells for minutes.
Next week I will start trying to find the leak causing the starboard side
hanging locker floor to be wet.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Tom Patterson via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 8:39 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper tccooper1@comcast.net; Tom Patterson <
tpatterson888@gmail.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
On 32-251 (2005) there is a single anchor chain drain. It consists of a
piece of 1/2” copper tube flaired on the inside. Mine was about 1/2” above
the bottom of the locker. To raise the bottom and level it, I used thicken
West Epoxy allowing it to self level. After that I also added two layers of
DriDek to make sure the chain was not sitting in water.
To diagnose the drain, I used tapered rubber corks (first on inside and
then on outside) to see if the water might be traveling around the outside
of the copper tube. No leaks.
BTW, I found using my cellphone to inspect areas on the inside very useful.
~Tom
On Sep 17, 2025, at 07:28, Tim Cooper via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
wrote:
Thank you everyone for all the great advice, it is really appreciated.
I started yesterday on the V berth leak focusing on the anchor locker. I
omitted what I had done this summer on my original post. After reading the
archive, while in Petersburg, I unloaded the anchors and found the bottom
of the lockers had a plastic-ish coating. The PO noted having the anchor
locker floor rebuilt in 2017. After inspection, I got some plastic tubing
and some 4200. I put the 4200 on the tubing and slid it into the drain
holes. I had no time to test if it helped or hurt. I gave the 4200 the
night to cure and loaded the anchor and we were on our way. I also went
around the top rub rail and tightened all the screws.
I dried near the thruster and the battery then ran the thruster in both
directions several times with no water intrusion. I unloaded the anchors.
Trying to separate the two sides I tried to tape the hole between sides
with good heavy-duty tape. It wouldn’t stick to the plastic-ish coating, I
tried a couple types but no luck. So, I filled the locker with 6” of water
and got a trickle forward of the thruster. I wanted to see if I could
separate the drain tube from the floor. I tried using a Phillips
screwdriver to plug the tubing in the drain hole but the tubing pushed out
the hull and water gushed in forward of the thruster. I repeated pushing
out the tubing on the port side with the same result. I finally thought of
the foam cone I have for plugging holes in the hull to separate the two
sides, it worked ok but the hole isn’t round. The 4200 couldn’t stick to
the plastic-ish coating.
I am know focused on removing the plastic-ish coating and finding a tube
material that can be epoxied in place. This is likely to take several days,
if not longer.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Harry Hungate via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:11 PM
To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Harry Hungate wcx7106@gmail.com
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
We use Gardner-Bender Duct Seal to keep water from entering around the
chain/hawse hole. Purchase at Home Depot or Lowes. Electricians use it to
seal conduits and refer to it lovingly as "monkey shit".
Harry Hungate
Bessie NT 32-238
On Sep 16, 2025, at 12:23 PM, Richard Cohen via Sentoa <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
On our 37 (NT37-079) the grey water and head sink drains exited above the
waterline so unlikely sources.
I replace the entire bow thruster which the factory had installed with
5200, there is a relatively small mounting surface on the thruster leg, but
I suspect it is not that. If there is water intrusion there it should be
obvious inside the grey metal mount under the motor. If you want/need to
take out the bow thruster you need a 17mm cone wrench to hold the bolts
behind cables on the lugs.
https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Bicycle-Install-Remover-Spanner/dp/B089GFQQZT/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1OD9EX0MS238I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q9PUpcLcHu5-oji8GxuqT6awXifI3ehvILf1rn-EzqC7N64EGBJjbgYwRviDKL_lff0tz26L9Jb_G29I4ab_22OchfNMSCU_VXsbh9ctz3w49Z20WyFRUvqPbWF2qVHD8FBzQHI_YZurqXzIPDXyOSOj33PxDWeJtqJAF9QZzzqM0xMgC0FkosWqOE_waucuc9Q7orOmCYXhpi5VKHe6Wyck7T9MKf0Hmsb9_sQDt3nRHy9Wob06oMKeBpUbUntS9taJukmHp6kldst1gYemtizohl5CD50fQi1QwOH7pQ0.60ictV96fSqUnTkHmqdYIDOJjGPUGpQNopGRaCCG24w&dib_tag=se&keywords=17mm%2Bcone%2Bwrench&qid=1758039408&sprefix=17mm%2Bcone%2B%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1.
Do not remove the cables without holding those backing nuts
My assumption is that significant saltwater leakage from the railing and
other deck hardware would be hard to produce that much water, if it were
fresh water from rain or hose that would make more sense.
I always used modeling clay wrapped around the chain in the hawser under
the windless. In rough weather that can let in a ton of salt water. I
might try a hose into that hawser and see if that flows into the under bunk
area.
Good luck
Richard Cohen
Managing Partner
BOSTON http://www.bostoncio.com/*CIO * http://www.bostoncio.com/
BostonCIO LLC
(508) 265-7277
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From: Ben McCafferty via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 11:48 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: tccooper1@comcast.net; Ben McCafferty bmacpiper@me.com
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
For both hanging lockers I’d suspect the portholes. The rubber seal in
ours has to be perfectly “square” to seal properly. With a little twist in
the seal it leaks, and that’s a straight shot down to your locker floors. I
know you said walls are dry, but perhaps they dried after the leak and
puddling happened? Are the walls carpeted? Have a look at the top of the
lockers just below the portholes also—ours are slightly delaminated from
other owners (and us) having had a leak there.
V-berth, the obvious thought there would be to start with the penetration
of the thruster and go from there. Nothing else comes to mind right away,
but perhaps another penetration nearby (grey water thru hull, head sink
thru hull, etc.?).
Curious what you find!
On Sep 16, 2025, at 08:34, Tim Cooper via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
wrote:
After cruising this summer we have more leaks than we were aware of so now
it is time to address them. I have gone through the archive and seen
mentions but no definite solutions. I will report back once leaks are
identified and fixed. I would appreciate any help or guidance from all.
1. Saltwater under V-berth, this has existed since we have owned the
boat 2018, I think. I dried it out near the thruster battery and up by the
thruster. Just sitting no water, after cruising both places have saltwater.
The level is always the same because excess flows to bilge pump. We are
normally in freshwater so it hasn’t been a big concern but now it is time
to dry it out.
2. Saltwater soaked floor in starboard hanging locker or closet. Using
a moisture meter I haven’t found the path for the water. The walls in the
closet are dry. This summer is the first time we have seen this.
3. Saltwater soaked floor in port hanging locker or closet. I haven’t
done any investigation yet but it doesn’t seem to be as bad as the
starboard side. This summer is the first time we have seen this.
Thanks
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
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--
Sincerely,
Dave Allen
Director of Product Support
Nordic Tugs, Inc. & Ocean Sport Boats
Office: 360.757.8847
Direct: 360.757.8833
Email: davea@nordictugs.com
NOTICE: This email may contain confidential or privileged material and is
intended for use solely by the above-referenced recipient. Any review,
copying, printing, disclosure, distribution, or other use by any other
person or entity is strictly prohibited. If you are not the named
recipient, or believe you have received this email in error, please reply
to the sender and delete the copy you received. Thank you.
“Blistering sun”—does that exist in Seattle? Ha!
So—by trails or residue, do you mean it will run out from under the edge of the porthole onto the gelcoat, etc.? Good to know.
Cheers Dave,
b
On Oct 9, 2025, at 09:31, Dave Allen via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:
We would typically use a silicone base sealant on plastic parts as it bonds better than your typical urethane base sealants that are used more on the metal or bronze parts. Butyl tape is still used in the marine environment but the only drawback for me with Butyl is when the parts get hot from the blistering sun the butyl material will melt and leave trails of residue. Good suggestion on contacting Seattle Nut & Bolt for square head screws and fasteners.
On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:22 AM Ben McCafferty via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Tim, thanks for the extensive write ups on this and the anchor locker! I’ll be having a peek at mine.
Ref: stainless square drive screws—here’s a note from Dave Allen to me when I was looking for the silicon bronze teak header trim screws. They were helpful and sent them out quickly.
"We purchase our screws from Seattle Nut & Bolt. We probably have at least a hundred or so different screws and sizes all provided by SNB. Some hardware stores sell bronze square drive head screws but I would contact our supplier. Marty & Brad from Seattle Nut & Bolt should be able to get you what you need. Their phone number is (253) 220-8347. “
I also wonder if anyone uses the black butyl caulk to bed/seal portholes anymore? That’s what I received with some portholes from Newfound Metals in Port Townsend (different boat). Old school, but wow it works well. Total mess if you ever had to clean it up I suppose!
Best,
Ben
37-202
On Oct 8, 2025, at 10:19, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Evan,
Thanks for the suggestions. I tend to agree with you about silicone, but it is what Beckson recommends and what NT used originally. I was able to get all the residue off with scraping then sanded the gelcoat edge and the epoxy coated foam core with 60 grit followed by clean up with acetone.
Tim
From: Evan Effa via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 7:26 AM
To: Association South East Nordic Tugs Owners' (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper <tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net>; Evan Effa <eheffa@gmail.com mailto:eheffa@gmail.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
HI,
Sounds like an ordeal!
For what it's worth, silicone sealant should be avoided at all costs... It does not seal out water very well and inhibits other sealants from producing a good seal or bond.
I would suggest removing all the residual silicone with brake cleaning fluid and using Sikaflex or similar sealants for a much better repair.
Good luck.
-Evan
TUGAWAY
NT 37-148
Victoria, BC
On Oct 8, 2025, at 07:13, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Update Starboard hanging locker leak:
I started by pulling the carpet back inside the cabinets to get access to the station bases and the upper rub rail forward of the hanging locker. I also removed the ceiling piece from the starboard bow. This is the first time I have removed a ceiling panel. In addition to the teak trim screws and the exposed screws there are screws along the seam that are hidden by the foam and vinyl.
Using high pressure and flooding several times I was unable to find any leaks around the stations or the rub rail. I moved to the port light and on my first check I saw a wet spot and then a drip. There was no evidence of water on the inside near the port. I did remove inside screws looking for wetness but just some rusty screws. In fact, two screws broke as I reinserted them with very little force.
Before removal I wanted to get silicone and screws on order. I was unable to find the same screw in square drive, 316 stainless. They were available in 304 stainless but with broken screws I didn’t want to push my luck, so I decided to deal with Phillips. I will replace all 96 screws.
After removing all the screws, with a sharpened putty knife I removed the trim ring and picked out the seal around the port. It was much easier than I expected. The port was out in less than 15 minutes; the time-consuming part was removing the silicone from the port. The original black silicone came off easy but the clear silicone that had been spread all over the outside of the port was very difficult to remove. I was surprised at how well this 23-year-old port light looked once it was cleaned up.
I started on the port side following the same process as the starboard side but didn’t remove the ceiling. After lots of spraying I was unable to find any leaks or wetness near the stations, rub rail or hanging locker. I removed a lower inside screw from the port and it was wet. I removed the port in same manner as above.
I reinstalled the two ports and re-bedded them. I tightened the inside screws tight and left the outside screws loose so as not to squeeze the silicone out. I had one inside screw and eight outside screws stripped. I used polyurethane glue and toothpicks to tighten up the screws. On the next four I will fix the holes before reinserting the ports
While testing the rub rail I noted that there are backer-boards glassed in along the edge but there are gaps without. Near the forward cleats is one area without. On the starboard side there were dimples where screws were just poking through or almost poking through. On the port side in the same spot a screw was through the hull by 0.5-0.75 inches. I would like to put in a backer with thickened epoxy, but I haven’t checked clearances yet. I am sure there was a reason it was done this way.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2025 6:22 AM
To: 'South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA)' <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper <tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
All,
To start, actions from suggestions.
I sprayed with pressure and soaked/flooded the vertical bow strips without any water intrusion.
I purchased some of the duct seal to use in the future. I used it to separate the locker sides and it worked great.
The PO had grids of starboard made to fit the bottom of each locker side to keep the rode out of remaining water.
I traded emails with Dave Allen at Nordic Tug. He explained how the factory does it today. He was very helpful.
Our anchor locker appears to be all custom. When it was split in two there was a drain put in both sides, smaller than what NT does today. Then in 2017 the floor was rebuilt. After removing the clam shells on the hull, it exposed football shaped holes larger than the drain holes in the locker. With a pick I was able to feel the inside of the hull and then the anchor locker structure, I assume, since I couldn’t see in there. I didn’t find anything that I thought would keep water out of the bilge. So, I cleaned around the holes down to fiberglass and drilled the holes out a little to get rid of any of the plastic-ish coating that was put on before. I found filament wound epoxy tubes at Tap Plastics (od 0.37”, id 0.296) that I cut long. Then filled all around the tube with Sikaflex 291, replaced the clamshells, sealed around the tube in the locker without moving the tubes. I had to rework some of the sealant in one locker but all is dry in the bilge now. I filled both sides of the locker with 6-8 inches of water, several times, and ran the hose into the clamshells for minutes.
Next week I will start trying to find the leak causing the starboard side hanging locker floor to be wet.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Tom Patterson via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 8:39 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Tim Cooper <tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net>; Tom Patterson <tpatterson888@gmail.com mailto:tpatterson888@gmail.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
On 32-251 (2005) there is a single anchor chain drain. It consists of a piece of 1/2” copper tube flaired on the inside. Mine was about 1/2” above the bottom of the locker. To raise the bottom and level it, I used thicken West Epoxy allowing it to self level. After that I also added two layers of DriDek to make sure the chain was not sitting in water.
To diagnose the drain, I used tapered rubber corks (first on inside and then on outside) to see if the water might be traveling around the outside of the copper tube. No leaks.
BTW, I found using my cellphone to inspect areas on the inside very useful.
~Tom
On Sep 17, 2025, at 07:28, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Thank you everyone for all the great advice, it is really appreciated.
I started yesterday on the V berth leak focusing on the anchor locker. I omitted what I had done this summer on my original post. After reading the archive, while in Petersburg, I unloaded the anchors and found the bottom of the lockers had a plastic-ish coating. The PO noted having the anchor locker floor rebuilt in 2017. After inspection, I got some plastic tubing and some 4200. I put the 4200 on the tubing and slid it into the drain holes. I had no time to test if it helped or hurt. I gave the 4200 the night to cure and loaded the anchor and we were on our way. I also went around the top rub rail and tightened all the screws.
I dried near the thruster and the battery then ran the thruster in both directions several times with no water intrusion. I unloaded the anchors. Trying to separate the two sides I tried to tape the hole between sides with good heavy-duty tape. It wouldn’t stick to the plastic-ish coating, I tried a couple types but no luck. So, I filled the locker with 6” of water and got a trickle forward of the thruster. I wanted to see if I could separate the drain tube from the floor. I tried using a Phillips screwdriver to plug the tubing in the drain hole but the tubing pushed out the hull and water gushed in forward of the thruster. I repeated pushing out the tubing on the port side with the same result. I finally thought of the foam cone I have for plugging holes in the hull to separate the two sides, it worked ok but the hole isn’t round. The 4200 couldn’t stick to the plastic-ish coating.
I am know focused on removing the plastic-ish coating and finding a tube material that can be epoxied in place. This is likely to take several days, if not longer.
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
From: Harry Hungate via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:11 PM
To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Harry Hungate <wcx7106@gmail.com mailto:wcx7106@gmail.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
We use Gardner-Bender Duct Seal to keep water from entering around the chain/hawse hole. Purchase at Home Depot or Lowes. Electricians use it to seal conduits and refer to it lovingly as "monkey shit".
Harry Hungate
Bessie NT 32-238
On Sep 16, 2025, at 12:23 PM, Richard Cohen via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
On our 37 (NT37-079) the grey water and head sink drains exited above the waterline so unlikely sources.
I replace the entire bow thruster which the factory had installed with 5200, there is a relatively small mounting surface on the thruster leg, but I suspect it is not that. If there is water intrusion there it should be obvious inside the grey metal mount under the motor. If you want/need to take out the bow thruster you need a 17mm cone wrench to hold the bolts behind cables on the lugs. https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Bicycle-Install-Remover-Spanner/dp/B089GFQQZT/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1OD9EX0MS238I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q9PUpcLcHu5-oji8GxuqT6awXifI3ehvILf1rn-EzqC7N64EGBJjbgYwRviDKL_lff0tz26L9Jb_G29I4ab_22OchfNMSCU_VXsbh9ctz3w49Z20WyFRUvqPbWF2qVHD8FBzQHI_YZurqXzIPDXyOSOj33PxDWeJtqJAF9QZzzqM0xMgC0FkosWqOE_waucuc9Q7orOmCYXhpi5VKHe6Wyck7T9MKf0Hmsb9_sQDt3nRHy9Wob06oMKeBpUbUntS9taJukmHp6kldst1gYemtizohl5CD50fQi1QwOH7pQ0.60ictV96fSqUnTkHmqdYIDOJjGPUGpQNopGRaCCG24w&dib_tag=se&keywords=17mm%2Bcone%2Bwrench&qid=1758039408&sprefix=17mm%2Bcone%2B%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1. Do not remove the cables without holding those backing nuts
My assumption is that significant saltwater leakage from the railing and other deck hardware would be hard to produce that much water, if it were fresh water from rain or hose that would make more sense.
I always used modeling clay wrapped around the chain in the hawser under the windless. In rough weather that can let in a ton of salt water. I might try a hose into that hawser and see if that flows into the under bunk area.
Good luck
Richard Cohen
Managing Partner
BOSTON http://www.bostoncio.com/CIO http://www.bostoncio.com/
BostonCIO LLC
(508) 265-7277 tel:(508)%20265-7277
RCohen@BostonCIO.com mailto:rcohen@bostoncio.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BostonCIO-LLC-209170469076/ | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bostoncio-llc
From: Ben McCafferty via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 11:48 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: tccooper1@comcast.net mailto:tccooper1@comcast.net; Ben McCafferty <bmacpiper@me.com mailto:bmacpiper@me.com>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: NT37 Leaks
For both hanging lockers I’d suspect the portholes. The rubber seal in ours has to be perfectly “square” to seal properly. With a little twist in the seal it leaks, and that’s a straight shot down to your locker floors. I know you said walls are dry, but perhaps they dried after the leak and puddling happened? Are the walls carpeted? Have a look at the top of the lockers just below the portholes also—ours are slightly delaminated from other owners (and us) having had a leak there.
V-berth, the obvious thought there would be to start with the penetration of the thruster and go from there. Nothing else comes to mind right away, but perhaps another penetration nearby (grey water thru hull, head sink thru hull, etc.?).
Curious what you find!
On Sep 16, 2025, at 08:34, Tim Cooper via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
After cruising this summer we have more leaks than we were aware of so now it is time to address them. I have gone through the archive and seen mentions but no definite solutions. I will report back once leaks are identified and fixed. I would appreciate any help or guidance from all.
Saltwater under V-berth, this has existed since we have owned the boat 2018, I think. I dried it out near the thruster battery and up by the thruster. Just sitting no water, after cruising both places have saltwater. The level is always the same because excess flows to bilge pump. We are normally in freshwater so it hasn’t been a big concern but now it is time to dry it out.
Saltwater soaked floor in starboard hanging locker or closet. Using a moisture meter I haven’t found the path for the water. The walls in the closet are dry. This summer is the first time we have seen this.
Saltwater soaked floor in port hanging locker or closet. I haven’t done any investigation yet but it doesn’t seem to be as bad as the starboard side. This summer is the first time we have seen this.
Thanks
Tim Cooper 37-059 Time To Play
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--
Sincerely,
Dave Allen
Director of Product Support
Nordic Tugs, Inc. & Ocean Sport Boats
Office: 360.757.8847
Direct: 360.757.8833
Email: davea@nordictugs.com mailto:davea@nordictugs.com
NOTICE: This email may contain confidential or privileged material and is intended for use solely by the above-referenced recipient. Any review, copying, printing, disclosure, distribution, or other use by any other person or entity is strictly prohibited. If you are not the named recipient, or believe you have received this email in error, please reply to the sender and delete the copy you received. Thank you.
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