C30 Water below engine

[Terry Parker]

I have friends who sail a 1993 C 30 (likely my next boat). Whenever it has rained, they find water gathered under the engine. THey think it's coming in from the cockpit somewhere. The water collects below the engine because there is a cross member between that area and the bilge, so the water has to be manually pumpoed out of there.Several questions:1. Is there supposed to be a channel connecting that area with the bilge?2. Could a drain hole/channel be worked into that area?3. What is the most likely source of the water's entry?Thanks!

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

Endless Sources for Water Entry

Terry,I have the same problem in my boat. When I bought it, the previous owner didn't maintain it the way he should. When it rained, I got water leaking in from the steering pedistal, the cockpit drain hoses, the stanchions that hold the lifelines, the top of the rudder post in the cockpit and one other place that I still can't figure out. Start with the ones I've mentioned. They seem to be the most common among people who post here.As for a channel to allow the water to reach the rest of the bilge, my 1977 model doesn't have the crossmember that you're referring to. Usually crossmembers are installed to manage stress. I'd be inclined to NOT drill into it. In my mind, hull integrity takes a higher priority than a few cups of water in the bilge. I'll bet if you called Catalina they'd be able to give you recommendations.Good luck!!Allen Schweitzers/v DrambuieC-30 Hull# 632

 

[Tom Behrendt]

drain hole

Terry,I have a 91 C30 with the cross member you describe. However, there is a drain hole which lets the water flow through to the bilge. At times this drain becomes plugged. Perhaps this is you problem? I would think the drain is neccessary to allow the drip water from the shaft seal to pass into the bilge.Tom Behrendt

 

[Jon]

Check combings

Check the cockpit combings as well (those cubby holes in the the sides of the cockpit). On older boats they often got a separation between the molding and the side of the cockpit wall. This is easy to test, just fill them with water and watch for a flood underneath.jon.