An Unusual Leak?????

[Dave Laing]

This one's got me!! There is water seeping into the forward bilge area on my H-23. It is coming from where the grounding wire exits the fiberglass. I moved the wire a bit and ended up sopping up several gallons of water. The taste test determined it is fresh water so I'm not worried about sinking. Does anyone know where this water is coming from???? Where does the grounding wire feed through the deck? Help. My feet are getting wet.

 

[Chris]

Deck leaks

I would think that you've got deck leaks and the water eventually ends up in the bilge. The leaks could be almost anywhere.... but you better find them quickly, otherwise the water will destroy the deck coring and its a pain the repair that.!!

 

[Jerry Swalley]

Leak by Grounding Wire

Dave,I have an '85 model Hunter 23. The grounding wire runs from the keel bolt up through the support post in the cabin thats directly under the mast and exits through the coach roof under the mast support plate. It attaches to the support plate by one of the four screws that hold the plate to the coach roof. The roof at that point is basically flat. If you're collecting lots of water via that small hole, I'm concerned that the plywood thats between the outer skin and the ceiling (about 1 1/2 inches thick) may be rotten and sagging - creating a dish in the roof to collect more water to run down the wire. You may get some indication of rot by tapping on the roof, but a better way is to find an old salt with a moisture meter who can tell if you,ve got a problem. The best way to seal around the plate is to take it up, clean everything and recaulk. Of course you have to drop the mast to do that which is another problem. IF perchance the plywood is rotten, please be very careful lowering the mast that it doesn't tear the base out of the roof. Thats an 80 lb mast and when it nears horizontal, the side loads on the roof can be several hundred lbs, depending on how its being lowered. I'm curious to know how you make out. (swalleyjc@aol.com)

 

[bill h]

hatch

These things have a chronic leaking hatch, also check the window seals, the caulk dries out and the lexan age hardens causing leaks that show up on the floor.

 

[Dave Condon]

lleak check

Finding those pesky leaks can be baffling. Let me suggest that you close up the boat with taping around all opening ports, hatches, etc.. As for the companionway, seal it with plastic with a vaccum hose or leaf blower inserted and turn it on. Then tak soapy water and a brush and brush everything going throught the deck and hull above the water line. when you see air bubbling out, bingo you found that peasky ole leak which has been baffling you.Happy sailing