We have a '94 23.5. There is a compartment (I'm having a brain cramp and can't think of the right name for this) forward that is filled with flotation foam. There is water in this compartment that has seeped through the bulkhead and is leaking into the bilge area. I'd like to provide a means of drainage into the bilge- and hopefully save the plywood bulkhead from rotting out. Is there a reason not to drill a scupper hole on either side of the bulkhead and allow the water to drain freely into the bilge? Thanks Jim
Forward comaprtment drainage
- Thread starter Jim11088
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Have a 26, do you have an anchor locker?
If so, check the hose clamps on the drain. Also the bow pulpit may need rebedding if it's like my 26. alan
If so, check the hose clamps on the drain. Also the bow pulpit may need rebedding if it's like my 26. alan
hmmm
Why would they fill a compartment with foam when the compartment is suppose to be dry? Foam is heavier then air, so as long as it stays dry or close to that, it floats better without the floating foam, right?
Why would they fill a compartment with foam when the compartment is suppose to be dry? Foam is heavier then air, so as long as it stays dry or close to that, it floats better without the floating foam, right?
NO! No ,water tight compartments here.
Just because it's supposed to be dry doesn't mean it will be. Foam keeps these boats afloat in case swamped, like a bad knockdown with the hatchboards out. They shouldn't sink. alan
Just because it's supposed to be dry doesn't mean it will be. Foam keeps these boats afloat in case swamped, like a bad knockdown with the hatchboards out. They shouldn't sink. alan
Jim's 23.5 front cabin compartment leak
Jim, I just accessed the same compartment on my 23.6 to tighten and seal the bow u-bolt and lock the threads with 3-M Silicon Sealer/Adhesive to prevent the nuts from getting loose again. While I was poking around in there I noticed that the u-bolt from the anchor locker was accessable and tightened and sealed that one also. To access the compartment, remove the four screws and the calking, and wedge the panel out. Remove the chunk of flotation foam in there (mine just fell out) and get to work, have someone spray water outside on the forward fittings to see if they are leaking and if so seal 'em up when dry.
Jim, I just accessed the same compartment on my 23.6 to tighten and seal the bow u-bolt and lock the threads with 3-M Silicon Sealer/Adhesive to prevent the nuts from getting loose again. While I was poking around in there I noticed that the u-bolt from the anchor locker was accessable and tightened and sealed that one also. To access the compartment, remove the four screws and the calking, and wedge the panel out. Remove the chunk of flotation foam in there (mine just fell out) and get to work, have someone spray water outside on the forward fittings to see if they are leaking and if so seal 'em up when dry.
I think that the answer to your question is...
...that it's better to fix the leak then allow water to drain into what should be a dry area. It's not exaactly what I would call a bilge proper but either the top of the ballast tank and/or a foward compartment depending on the exact construction of your boat (I have a 26). Water getting there just sits and sits and sits, yielding a very damp boat. But yes you could. alan
...that it's better to fix the leak then allow water to drain into what should be a dry area. It's not exaactly what I would call a bilge proper but either the top of the ballast tank and/or a foward compartment depending on the exact construction of your boat (I have a 26). Water getting there just sits and sits and sits, yielding a very damp boat. But yes you could. alan
Did You Find any Leaks?
Another place water gets in is the hole that the anchor locker latch catches in. I have wondered about the best way to seal that one. I was thinking I would grease the latch then mound up a wad of Marine Tex slap it on there and use the latch to mold out a hole. Any other ideas?
Another place water gets in is the hole that the anchor locker latch catches in. I have wondered about the best way to seal that one. I was thinking I would grease the latch then mound up a wad of Marine Tex slap it on there and use the latch to mold out a hole. Any other ideas?
Anchor Locker Latch
I recently added two new bowcleats to my 23.5. In the process of drilling the holes for the through bolts on the starboard side I hit water!! It seems there was a problem with water getting into the hole for the anchor locker latch and seeping into the void. The starboard side is much thicker (by about 2 1/2") than the port side. I assume this extra thickness and void was to accomodate the latch. Anyway the water then drained into the compartment you are looking at. I'll eventually get the starboard cleat installed but have to wait for the laminate to dry before sealing the latch hole and then filling the viod with epoxy. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this and what the problem might become if that much water freezes in that void in a northern climate. Just another potential leaky spot or maybe a very weak spot with freeze thaw scenario.
I recently added two new bowcleats to my 23.5. In the process of drilling the holes for the through bolts on the starboard side I hit water!! It seems there was a problem with water getting into the hole for the anchor locker latch and seeping into the void. The starboard side is much thicker (by about 2 1/2") than the port side. I assume this extra thickness and void was to accomodate the latch. Anyway the water then drained into the compartment you are looking at. I'll eventually get the starboard cleat installed but have to wait for the laminate to dry before sealing the latch hole and then filling the viod with epoxy. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this and what the problem might become if that much water freezes in that void in a northern climate. Just another potential leaky spot or maybe a very weak spot with freeze thaw scenario.
Maybe the Anchor Locker Lid is a Bigger Deal
Perhaps it should be drilled out larger filled and redrilled. Another idea is to drill a drain hole where the latch is to drain into the anchor locker. Any pictures Ed I want more cleats on my boat.
Perhaps it should be drilled out larger filled and redrilled. Another idea is to drill a drain hole where the latch is to drain into the anchor locker. Any pictures Ed I want more cleats on my boat.
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