I ran into the same problem a year ago with the water intruding from the track where we sail the #3. A careful inspection manifested itself into a 14"x20" section of bad core. It spanned the chainplate, track, and bulkhead. If you are looking at a re-core of that area - consider using Penske Board ( Airex PXC ). It's a high density foam that will not absorb water.

Also rebedding the track bolts - oversized hole, epoxy, redrill process is also a good rule to follow as well. Not fool-proof, but works well.

Good luck. It's an easier job than it looks. Just a bit tedius and messy.

:: Unfortunately, this will need attention, as most likely
:: there is some delamination of the deck at the
:: chainplate.
::
:: Chainplates are very prone to leaking where they go
:: through the deck. Even after careful rebedding they can
:: leak again relatevely soon due to the movement of the
:: chainplate when sailing. Even if the water isn't making
:: it into the interior of the boat, it can be making it
:: into the balsa core. Unfortunately, this tends to rot
:: the balsa deck core around the chainplates--particularly
:: in fresh water environments. It is even worse in
:: climates that freeze, as the fresh water freeze/thaw
:: cycle breaks down balsa and invites rot.
::
:: A crack extending from the chainplate is likely caused
:: because the balsa core has degraded in the area from
:: years of leaking. Take a something hard (like the hard
:: plastic handle of a screwdriver) and tap all around the
:: chainplate on deck. If you get a hard knock, the core is
:: good. If you get a soft mushy knock then there is
:: delamination and/or rotten core. You may be able to
:: determine the rough extent of damage this way.
::
:: The correct fix is to cut out the rotten core and
:: replace, then reglass the deck. Generally this is done
:: from above because the main bulkhead intersects the deck
:: by the chainplates making repairs from below very
:: difficult. This is not a trivial repair to do well and
:: best left to someone with experience. That said, it is
:: not catastrophic either and can be effectively repaired
:: without major surgery.
::
:: If you don't yet have delamination in this area, it is
:: worth preventing it by removing the chainplate, augering
:: out the balsa around the slot, and filling it with epoxy
:: to make a waterproof seal against further intrusion.
::
:: I just resealed my chainplates a couple weeks ago, as
:: they were leaking despite careful sealing about 5-7
:: years ago. Expect that sealing the chainplates is
:: something that needs to be done somewhat regularly.
::
:: Feel free to email me directly with further questions.

:: --brendan

::
::
::
::
::
:: :: Today I noticed a 4" crack in the deck extending from
:: :: the chainplate on the starboard side to a nearby
:: :: fitting. Is this something to keep an eye on or a more
:: :: serious matter? Does anyone have a recommendation for
:: :: someone to take at look at the problem?