Bilge Water

[gary]

I frequently find water in the bilge of my Hunter 22. Not a lot - maybe a quart or two once a week to ten days. I am mystified as to how this occurs. I don't believe it can leak in from outside the hull. The water here is never above 52 - 55- degrees F even in the hottest months and I have considerable condensation in other parts of the boat. I wonder if this could be the culprit.
thanx
garyg

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

leaks

It is often said that all boats leak, even those you think don't...
Common sources include the stuffing boxes (rudder post, shaft), mast step, windows/hatches, deck/keel joint, keel bolts, etc.. Condensation is unlikely except in very cold weather when you have a source of heat inside the boat.
If it concerns you, you can thoroughly dry the boat and sprinkle baby power around the likely sources and wait to find a residual trail of water.

 

[Jack h23.5]

Water in the bilge.

I was getting about that much each week also on my H23.5. I installed a dehumidifier and leave it running 24/7. It sucks out about a gallon of water a week from the air in the boat, and my bilge is bone dry now. I can also leave towels, sails, cushions etc inside without any mildew showing up. I can even hang wet stuff to dry while I'm gone.

 

[Steve677]

Cockpit and anchor well drains...

I imagine your H22 is much like my H23... I discovered that the water I was finding was coming from a small leak in the cockpit drain hose. I would take in a little water every time it rained. I would even take in a bit as water washed up the thru hull from wakes as she was on her mooring ball. After I got busy and took a hard look at sources I also discovered a small leak in the anchor well drain as well as from the lower pintel.