Bilge water problem Part 2

[Del]

I know that the water came from someone leaving the forward hatch open and rain getting in but it stayed in between the laminates for nearly 3 years? My consern was not how to stop the water from getting in thorugh an open hatch 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 semular to venting this area when the atmospheric pressure changes.

 

[Steve]

Inspection Plate

Now we see your point, earlier it wasn't so clear. Glassing likely wouldn't hurt nor cause problems, however if it can trap a lot of water, mold and smells could develop from condensation water. Maybe an inexpensive inspection plate may be wise, that way you can see whats happening, bleach port, or a place to stick a shop-vac in there etc..Good Luck, still not clear where your specific grid area is, maybe a call to Hunter could give you the final word on this.

 

[Davor Kusec]

Water

The h23 is built with a hull liner in the lower part of the hull only. Water from the lockers, etc. can enter between this liner and the hull. It should drain though the small holes between the hollow fiberglass keel stingers into the three shallow keel bolt bilges under the floor boards. I had water trapped behind the keel stingers when I bought my boat. I just spunged it. More water would appear after every sail for the first season.The water will drain faster if the small holes (about 1/4" diameter) are not clogged. My boat has been bone dry for the last 3 years.s/v Miss Brandy