[Knot On Call]

While underway this season I noticed that my keel pump would turn on approximately 30 minutes into the trip and remain on for the trip. The keel pump would stop while at rest.  While underway, I went down into the aft bilge  through the trunk and was able to see the interior of the swim platform. I observed water entering along the seam between the swim platform top and hull at 3 different locations( aft port and starboard side, and center rear) falling into the bilge. The center rear location was actually cascading water to the bilge.  I would like to seal the entire molding area and would like to know the best way to do that to stop water intrusion.  After talking with Brian at Tiara I removed the SS edging and molding around the swim platform. 
When I removed the molding to reseal the platform, I noticed that the molding, as installed was covering the drain holes of the roller housing and that some of the drain holes (arrows) on the roller frame were sealed with caulk preventing the water from draining out.  You can see the original height of where the molding was installed over the drain holes. (pictures are included)
My concern is the boat runs at altitude with the water stream right along the molding just below the rollers. The rollers are  continuously splashed and as the boat runs, water may be being pushed under great pressure into the roller holder and getting behind the molding through the drain holes and running behind the molding and along the inside seam of the top and hull finding its way in to the boat. Most of the water is entering the boat from the swim platform area, aft mid-ships right along the seam.  Water stains are also present on the inside hull shell in the area of both roller housings. 
Tiara couldn't provide tech help when I asked  why were the drain holes plugged and covered with the molding. Seems like a bad designed me unless the molding reduces drag spray from the rollers. Said all boats were built that way but couldn't provide a path forward for how to reinstall the molding- below or over the drain holes. No records or anyone to talk to.  If I reinstall the molding below the drain holes I will have to notch it out around the roller housing which would look bad. Any suggestions?
Thanks for anyones' help.

[jclark003]

I would think rebedding the molding should take care of the intrusion issue. Clean up all the old sealant and use 5200 or the likes (Tiara uses a Bostik adhesive I believe). As for the drains not so sure. Guessing you could drill holes through the molding / rub rail? Would need to extend the drain lines or use an o ring as a gasket. Or maybe machine out a chanel in the molding so the water runs out behind the rail?

I'm going to put a camera back there and check mine. Sump does go on from time to time while cruising. Betting same thing is happening. Thanks for the inquiry.

[Knot On Call]

Thank you. Do you have the same model? I was able to watch the water come in while underway and standing in the aft bilge area  in the trunk. Most came in directly amid-ships at the ladder area. After removing the extrusion molding, cleaning up the area and cutting out most of the caulk in the seam (probably 20 hours by now) I did find a vertical space that a putty knife can slip into between the top swim platform and hull in to places. Still trying to cut and grind out the remaining caulk. Tiara suggested to use Sikaflex 505 which they are now using and not to take out the securing screws, just recaulk. There are some securing screws that are stripped  most likely because of a wet backer strip. Tiara said to use a larger screw rather that drill another hole and recaulk the old one to re-secure. Big job removing the old extrusion. Had to break off some sections. Be prepared to buy  all new molding as the width is different that the original. The SS finish piece does still fit the newer extrusion thank goodness.
I'm just trying to get an answer about the drain holes. I'm thinking about writing a letter to the Pres. of Tiara asking for some tech help. Brian is good but he said that engineers don't talk to customers with questions as they are busy on the line. They had to build it that wat for a reason. Seems to me there should be a better way.

[jclark003]

5000 express which is basically the same boat, just a couple years older. I'm guessing I have the same issue as the sump and occasionally aft pumps come on while cruising long distances. I have the davit system so no roller assembly. I have a Neighbor who retired from Tiara as a field support tech. He knows these boats really well. I'll give him a shout and see if he has any ideas. Thanks for the info

[Knot On Call]

Jclark- have you had a chance to talk with your neighbor who worked at Tiara?
Thanks, Mike

[jclark003]

Haven't seen him but the shop that stores my boat is doing the same job you described to another 52. I noticed they notched the molding with a 45 degree cut to allow water to flow out of roller cavity. Doesn't look too bad. If you want I'll try to snap a picture next time I'm over there.

[Knot On Call]

Can you please snap a picture? It would help greatly. Thanks.

[Knot On Call]

jclark- can you provide a contact number for the shop so that I can speak with them? If you rather send it by email, my email is mpacana@comcast.net.
Thanks for your help.