28 TE dashboard creak

[Gary J]

My 2004 28 TE engine box has developed a creaking and popping sound coming from the dash area in front of the helm seat. This only happens when the boat is rolling through waves. I imagine the hull has a certain amount of flex to it and may be reacting to the dash/cabin attachment. I've got about 600 hours on the engine. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar and what, if anything can be done about it.

Thanks
Gary J

[chiefrcd]

Gary,
When I rock and roll mine creaks all over. Dash, seats, doors, hatches. Seems like my Albin turns into a old wooden sailing ship.
I did discover that a good spraying of Woody Wax helps a lot. I guess it gets to creaking when everything is dry and rubbing together.

[Denis]

I found my creak while at anchor and rolling around. It was coming from the bulkhead connection between the back of the dash and the inside of the head. I had a couple of screws with shoulder washers on the wall area behind the head sink. I sprayed some silicone lube into the holes after I removed the screws and that took the squeak out, then I replaced the screws. I have had to do it twice in four years but it is heaven on the hook when it is quiet. The back of the dash and the back of the head rub together there, that is my squeak anyway. Good luck finding yours. Denis

[Gary J]

Denis, I found 4 screws behind the head sink as you described. I tightened them down as much as possible and that cured the problem. I had tried this earlier without success but I guess I didn't torque them down enough. Thanks so much for the good advice.

Gary J

[bobskypala]

I had the same problem and after a few sleepless hours and a lot of investigating discovered the molded back splash in the head rubbing against the upper cabinet. I shimmed the back splash away from the cabinet with a piece of cardboard and it went away.

Hope this works for you.

Bob "Sky's High" 28 TE