Bilge water problem found!

[Del]

I have had problems with water appearing in the bilge after sailing and only when the boat heels a lot. I found that Hunter did not seal the forward section of the pre-formed hull/ribs/stingers. This leaves a gap under the v birth for water to find it's way in. once there it will stay captive until some active sailing is done at which time it filters down through a vent hole in the bilge. My question is... is there a reason that hunter did this? or would there be a problem with sealing up this area? possibly leaving a vent hole for atmospheric pressure changes? any knowladge of this issure would be appreaciated!

 

[Steve]

Where does it Originate?

Is this water from the WB tank or from the outside? You might want to confirm with tank dye first before sealing up the area. The water may be from the outside (topside?) finding it's way in and pooling in the recessed area you discribe.

 

[Davor Kusec]

Water

I also had water problems with my h23 when I bought her four years ago. Don't worry so much about getting water into the bilge as to where is it comming from. 1. Check the hull/deck joint rubrail joint. Use marine silicone sealer on top only.2. Check the chain plates and mast base seals.3. Check the bow eye and anchor locker drain hose, accessable from the vee berth.4. Check the sink and cocpit drain hoses.5. Check the transom motor and rudder mounting bolts.6. Check the forwared hatch seal.7. Check the slider hatch wood to plexiglas seal.Your may have an condensation problem if you live in a humid area but probably the water is either rain/washdown water or sea water. Don't be afraid to taste it.I always have a desacant on board to lower the humidity and I added an automatic electric bilge pump in the aft locker.It took a year to find all of my leaks, but now she is a dry as a bug.Good Luck,s.v. Miss Brandy

 

[Davor Kusec]

Water II

I forgot to say that the water may also be coming from though-bolts in the deck. It will then have a very dark or brown colour from the rotting wood core. This could mean big problems.s/v Miss Brandy

 

[Del]

Bilge water problem part 2.

I know that the water came from someone leaving the forward hatch openand rain getting in but it stayed in between the laminates for nearly 3 years? My consern was not how to stop the water as much as why did Hunter leave this part not sealed? is there a good reason to leave it open? or could I glass over it. The rest of the this inset part is glassed in with roving. Seems to me the smartest thing to do is to glass it in and provide a clamshell or something semelar to vent this area when the atmospheric pressure changes.