I have a 1984 Hunter 31. We have a slow water leak after a rain at the forward - starboard corner of the companionway sliding cover. The wafer is coming from an area forward of the companionway. It seams to be collecting behind the companionway sliding cover. It looks like I may need to remove the large fiber glass cover that the Main Sheets and Halyards pass through. Any idea on how to fix this leak without removing the cover?
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No, but...
Alex: I have had the same problem and do not THINK that there is a way to fix the leak without removing the sea hood. The problem is the channel that the companion way slider rides on is open on both ends. The aft end butts up againts the hood and the forward end is just open. When it rains, the water collects on the plexiglass and (because you have a starboard list) drains in the starboard track. If you keep the track clean it helps a little. What we finally did, because we did NOT want to remove the hood is to have a cover made for the entire companionway. This has basically resolved the problem. If, I say IF I ever remove the hood, I'd place a piece of hard rubber in the forward end of the track and caulk in in place. I think some others have drilled some holes in the track, but I am not too sure of that idea.
Alex: I have had the same problem and do not THINK that there is a way to fix the leak without removing the sea hood. The problem is the channel that the companion way slider rides on is open on both ends. The aft end butts up againts the hood and the forward end is just open. When it rains, the water collects on the plexiglass and (because you have a starboard list) drains in the starboard track. If you keep the track clean it helps a little. What we finally did, because we did NOT want to remove the hood is to have a cover made for the entire companionway. This has basically resolved the problem. If, I say IF I ever remove the hood, I'd place a piece of hard rubber in the forward end of the track and caulk in in place. I think some others have drilled some holes in the track, but I am not too sure of that idea.
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Tim Op't Holt
me too
I have the same problem. Usually the leak is minor (just dripping during the storm). My solution is to put a towel on the countertop to soak up the water while I'm away. I also use one of those round electric heaters to keep the inside dry and free of mildew. So, even if I've had a rain and there has been some leak, it's usually dried-up before I return. I do have trouble with water accumulating in the ceiling light fixture adjacent to the forward starboard corner of the companionway. I check that fixture after a rain and if water has accumulated, I just pull it and dump it out. Even after several years this has been OK. As Steve has said, the alternative is rather labor intensive and I'm hesitant to break the seal. While we are on the topic of leaks, I also have a leak on the starboard side of the V-berth. I tightened the toe rail bolts and that was a partial solution. I tend to keep the cushions away from the starbaroard wall while I'm away. I suppose we must be tolerant of a few minor irritations, considering our boats are 16-17 years old. They still sail very well!
I have the same problem. Usually the leak is minor (just dripping during the storm). My solution is to put a towel on the countertop to soak up the water while I'm away. I also use one of those round electric heaters to keep the inside dry and free of mildew. So, even if I've had a rain and there has been some leak, it's usually dried-up before I return. I do have trouble with water accumulating in the ceiling light fixture adjacent to the forward starboard corner of the companionway. I check that fixture after a rain and if water has accumulated, I just pull it and dump it out. Even after several years this has been OK. As Steve has said, the alternative is rather labor intensive and I'm hesitant to break the seal. While we are on the topic of leaks, I also have a leak on the starboard side of the V-berth. I tightened the toe rail bolts and that was a partial solution. I tend to keep the cushions away from the starbaroard wall while I'm away. I suppose we must be tolerant of a few minor irritations, considering our boats are 16-17 years old. They still sail very well!
Water in light.
Tim: To prevent water in the light, why don't you use a little dab of silicone in the hole for the wires.
Tim: To prevent water in the light, why don't you use a little dab of silicone in the hole for the wires.
J
John K Kudera
Clean out
Hi, If you can, your first step to solving this problem is to clean the area either with a hose with good pressure or a pressure washer, your tracks are probably full of stuff, alowing water to build up and flow into the boat. Close the slider and pressure from the front and back sides of each track, you will be surprised what is in there. I also agree, a cover is better than trying to remove the sea hood. John Kudera s/v Fifty/Fifty H34
Hi, If you can, your first step to solving this problem is to clean the area either with a hose with good pressure or a pressure washer, your tracks are probably full of stuff, alowing water to build up and flow into the boat. Close the slider and pressure from the front and back sides of each track, you will be surprised what is in there. I also agree, a cover is better than trying to remove the sea hood. John Kudera s/v Fifty/Fifty H34
J
Jim McCue
Tim - caulk your anchor locker bolt receptacle
That is where my leak was. See my post ing on more recent leak posting. Jim McCue
That is where my leak was. See my post ing on more recent leak posting. Jim McCue
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Michael O'
Design Flaw-Sea Hood Removal
Fed up with the problem of the companionway leak, I had the sea hood removed. Seems there is a design flaw in the construction of the channel that is supposed to drain away the water that sits on the sliding hatch. The yard (Bridgeview Marina, Sarnia) reconfigured the channel and also drilled two major weep holes at the bottom edges of the sea hood on port and starboard. Steve's fix of adding another cover is certainly cheaper! This is a Hunter design flaw just like their compression post construction. Too bad the company doesn't cooperate in fixing the problems. I sent them pictures of the flaw with a request for reimbursement and was totally ignored. Unfortunately, I didn't keep the pictures (this was 10 years ago)or I would post them on this site.
Fed up with the problem of the companionway leak, I had the sea hood removed. Seems there is a design flaw in the construction of the channel that is supposed to drain away the water that sits on the sliding hatch. The yard (Bridgeview Marina, Sarnia) reconfigured the channel and also drilled two major weep holes at the bottom edges of the sea hood on port and starboard. Steve's fix of adding another cover is certainly cheaper! This is a Hunter design flaw just like their compression post construction. Too bad the company doesn't cooperate in fixing the problems. I sent them pictures of the flaw with a request for reimbursement and was totally ignored. Unfortunately, I didn't keep the pictures (this was 10 years ago)or I would post them on this site.
A
Alex Dubovsky
The leak goes on
Thanks for all the information on this leak. Looks like I may have to live with the problem. I will try and power wash under the cover and let you know how it comes out. Also I have a Blue Canvas Companionway protective cover which matches the sail cover. I may get it water proofed to see if it helps.
Thanks for all the information on this leak. Looks like I may have to live with the problem. I will try and power wash under the cover and let you know how it comes out. Also I have a Blue Canvas Companionway protective cover which matches the sail cover. I may get it water proofed to see if it helps.
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