Hunter 306 Sea Hood Removal

[Arbee]

Rather than keep my previous "fresh water leak" post going I thought I'd make a new specific thread. As per the other thread, we've started getting fresh water in the bilge and it's definitely related to rain and/or over-enthusiastic hosing over the sliding hatch. We've had plenty of storms in previous years with no leaks, so this is a new development on our beloved 306. Either something rotting, some caulking getting old or something blocked (spiders abound in our marina so a likely culprit). I'd like to address this sooner than later before liners etc start to rot.

I'm aware many have just put a cover over the sliding hatch to resolve it, an admittedly simple work around. But I also wondered if anyone has managed to remove and replace the sea hood on these to locate and solve the problem at source. I've seen images on this forum of older Hunters with sea hoods removed which are somewhat helpful but thought I'd ask if anyone has done this with a 306 or similar years/models which I suspect are similar. While my optimistic self looks at the screws and wants to believe I simply unscrew them, lift the sea hood off, fix the problem and put it back, I know life is never that simple and I don't want to start something that I wish I had not!

Any and all insights very welcome, thanks!

Robert
2004 Hunter 306 "Charisma", Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

 

[Arbee]

Just an update on this for your entertainment. The sea hood removal and replacement was easy btw, but it had nothing whatsoever to do with the leak.

I had already noticed a very minor leak in the opening port behind the galley, just a few drops and slight wetness when I took the inside frame off to check. Nowhere near enough water however to put that much water in the bilge, so it must be elsewhere "surely", hence suspecting under the sea hood. With the sea hood replaced and still rain water getting in, my wife suggested, "let's just put the hose on that port and see what happens". Well, in addition to the minor leak I knew about, another much bigger spout of water came in past the gasket at the mid-bottom of the port lens, successfully leapt the bench behind the stove without leaving a trace, poured down behind the stove, through the gas line hole and into the bilge. And when the port is closed it looks just like all of the others, and none of the others leak at all. New gaskets on the way! Hope that makes your day

Robert
2004 Hunter 306 "Charisma", Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Robert

An old trick is to pressurize the cabin and then looking where air is coming out. To do that, close the boat including port windows. Tape the forward hatch lip with painters tape. Tape a large piece of plastic over the the entire companionway and cut a small slit in order to put a leaf blower tube through it. Tape over the plastic to the tube. Have another person outside brushing down every fitting and rubrail brushing soapy water. Where you find air bubbling out , you will find leaks. I introduced your boat as a dealer

 

[jdrutten]

You’re an inspiration to leak hunters everywhere. The fight goes on!!