Water in the bilge

[zippy]

I have a hunter 40.5 that collects water 4-5 gal in the bilge. I have looked every where and have yet to find source(s). I do have a small leak from the anchor locker however it contributes tablespoons. Any experience or suggestions where to investigate greatly apreciated. I would like to resolve before winter freeze.
As a back up I have considered adding a Garboard drain.

Thanks, zippy

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

The most likely source on the 40.5 is a leak from the mast step to the bilge via the post. Obviously, if your leak doesn't coincide with rain, it must be elsewhere.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Have You Considered .................................

...................... the relief valve from your hot water heater. It may have a constant leak or may decide to blow occasionally if you don't have an accumulator.

Let us know what you find.

 

[artboas]

Questions

I have a hunter 40.5 that collects water 4-5 gal in the bilge. I have looked every where and have yet to find source(s). I do have a small leak from the anchor locker however it contributes tablespoons. Any experience or suggestions where to investigate greatly apreciated. I would like to resolve before winter freeze.
As a back up I have considered adding a Garboard drain.

Thanks, zippy

Does this happen sitting at dock, sailing, motoring, etc?
Independent of rain activity?
I'm sure you've checked your stuffing box?
Do you have air conditioning?
Are your water tanks going down?
Try totally emptying your water tanks, and see if it still happens.

 

[Jeff Jellick]

I have a hunter 40.5 that collects water 4-5 gal in the bilge. I have looked every where and have yet to find source(s). I do have a small leak from the anchor locker however it contributes tablespoons. Any experience or suggestions where to investigate greatly apreciated. I would like to resolve before winter freeze.
As a back up I have considered adding a Garboard drain.

Thanks, zippy

Salt or Fresh?

 

[Joel]

One method I have used successfully is ph paper to identify what type water you have which helps in finding the source. You sample all potential sources and match up the ph color with bildge water sample.

Good luck.

 

[zippy]

Thanks all for responses I'll provide futher perspective:


Water in the bilge Hunter 40.5
The best corellation is rain water as all winterization completed 3 weeks ago.
boat is in cradel and level.

Little history:
Fresh water boat - great lakes.
PSS shaft seal.
AC
4 watertanks only use 2, aft and forward. both empty except for small antifreeze residue 1/2 - 1''

During the season water was in the bildge and I associated it with AC condisate. and small the leak from the anchor locker.

I worked to reduce that leak however it still persists but very small drips not trickels and unlikely to the 4-5 gal. I found past week. However it is a known and possible source.

When fall temp change the AC was rarely run and the bilge stayed dry.
Also not much rain from late Aug through Sept. and I did little deck washdown.


Last visit:
I left the boat again with dry bilge. and will get back in 2-3 weeks to look again.

I looked at all access points that can be made without removing main portions of the floring and found no trace of water. The mast is up and all openings including the tri mast head light are closed off. all that remains is the mast track, and internal line chases.
The mast tabernacle has a standoff tube for wire chase into the boat and 4 drain slotts exiting to the outside of the step. Not positive they are clear but never saw any water under the access plate... It had been wet at some point as the back side had signs of past water.

Boat is covered with a custom canvs cover that ends at the toe rail does not over lap to top sides. There are closures at the mast and stays however not water proof although I have put stretch wrap around each to improve closure.

I have experienced water in the bilge after a sail at the begining of the season good wind but below ist reefing point.... no source located. Later considered it to be related to anchor locker...if related not consistant with leak on the hard ??


Things I have considered for over winter protection if leak not found and eliminated
Put 2 gal antifreeze in and replace monthly
instll Garboard drain fitting - not fond of this but...better than forsen bildge and pump.


Please add any thoughts

Thanks, Zippy

 

[simpsonc]

I have a hunter 40.5 that collects water 4-5 gal in the bilge. I have looked every where and have yet to find source(s). I do have a small leak from the anchor locker however it contributes tablespoons. Any experience or suggestions where to investigate greatly apreciated. I would like to resolve before winter freeze.
As a back up I have considered adding a Garboard drain.

Thanks, zippy

I have the same boat with a similar if not same problem. turned ut to be sink connections draining small amt of h20.
Fresh water leak:
I repaired a galley sink discharge leak. The plastic plumbing and hoses connected underneath the sink were torqued and causing the twist-cap connections to become loose.
Iwill send a pic

 

[timvg]

When you pull up the floorboard to look at the bilge, is there water on the underside edges of the floorboard? We had this happenning and eventually traced it to the hot water heater, which we replaced and problem solved. The port and starboatd freshwater tanks are also know to leak.

 

[zippy]

Zippy getting back on the leak

When you pull up the floorboard to look at the bilge, is there water on the underside edges of the floorboard? We had this happenning and eventually traced it to the hot water heater, which we replaced and problem solved. The port and starboatd freshwater tanks are also know to leak.

It is now mid Feb. so far the bilge has remained dry will return in a couple weeks and recheck.

Thanks for the input so far.

Zippy

 

[Chef2sail]

If it is happening when in the water also check rudder post