I have found fresh water in the bilge of my H31, I filled the fresh water system 2 weeks ago and the water appears to be a result of a leak , I have checked the head faucet and the galley faucet and the water line running along the staboard side of the boat , anyone ideas where to look ??
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Idea
spread some talcum powder or surveyor's blue powder around the edge of the bilge to see from what direction the water is coming into the bilge. That should narrow the culprit, at least the direction of the culprit. If it's coming from several directions, the leaks could be coming from the gunwales because of deterioriated caulk. Big job to repair, but well worth it. I did it and could regale you for minutes.
spread some talcum powder or surveyor's blue powder around the edge of the bilge to see from what direction the water is coming into the bilge. That should narrow the culprit, at least the direction of the culprit. If it's coming from several directions, the leaks could be coming from the gunwales because of deterioriated caulk. Big job to repair, but well worth it. I did it and could regale you for minutes.
water pump?
If you have a water pressure pump, leave it turned on while quiet at the dock. If the pump keeps kicking on, you have a leak somewhere in the system. Mine was coming from a line near the pump initially, which I fixed. Then I found another near the hot water heater. Good practice to change to new clamps every year or so as a matter of routine maintenance. The lines can be replaced as needed, just make sure you measure a least twice before you cut that expensive hose. Sanders
If you have a water pressure pump, leave it turned on while quiet at the dock. If the pump keeps kicking on, you have a leak somewhere in the system. Mine was coming from a line near the pump initially, which I fixed. Then I found another near the hot water heater. Good practice to change to new clamps every year or so as a matter of routine maintenance. The lines can be replaced as needed, just make sure you measure a least twice before you cut that expensive hose. Sanders
rain in bilge
I toughly inspected the entire fresh water system and did a little chlorine check on the bilge water, this appears to be rain water?? altough I have no apparent leaks into the cabin , can water leak in between the liner and the hull and show up in the bilge. there are several lines that drain in the bilge , ice box, and shower overflow. but also a 1/2 inch hole on either side of the bilge directly under the floor and this is where the water is coming from. thanks for your help.
I toughly inspected the entire fresh water system and did a little chlorine check on the bilge water, this appears to be rain water?? altough I have no apparent leaks into the cabin , can water leak in between the liner and the hull and show up in the bilge. there are several lines that drain in the bilge , ice box, and shower overflow. but also a 1/2 inch hole on either side of the bilge directly under the floor and this is where the water is coming from. thanks for your help.
Jeff, you need to find your source...
If necessary pull up all your sole boards around where you think the it might be and trace from there. Rain can come in through many places; mast step, deck seam, port lights, hatches, chain plates, etc. If you've had the leak for awhile often times you will see a trail of residue. Those holes you see next to the bilge are called limbers. That is a good place to start and trace towards the source. Over time water can seep into your deck core and cause more serious problems. Terry
If necessary pull up all your sole boards around where you think the it might be and trace from there. Rain can come in through many places; mast step, deck seam, port lights, hatches, chain plates, etc. If you've had the leak for awhile often times you will see a trail of residue. Those holes you see next to the bilge are called limbers. That is a good place to start and trace towards the source. Over time water can seep into your deck core and cause more serious problems. Terry
Pipe joints
Jeff, try checking all the connectors on your piping if you have the blue polybutylene stuff. They are a friction fit within a sleave with a gasket ring that gets clamped down as the barrel nut is tightened. If the barrel nut is loose, the connection can be pushed apart by pressure within the line or by having something stored in a locker pushing them apart, especially at a "T".
Jeff, try checking all the connectors on your piping if you have the blue polybutylene stuff. They are a friction fit within a sleave with a gasket ring that gets clamped down as the barrel nut is tightened. If the barrel nut is loose, the connection can be pushed apart by pressure within the line or by having something stored in a locker pushing them apart, especially at a "T".
Hunter Method to Find the Leak
Tape up the dorade vents and fabricate a companion way door panel from cardboard. Make a hole in it and blow in the hole with a leaf blower or the exhaust from a shop vac. It will pressurize the cabin a few psi. Walk around the top side and spray everything with soapy water. Bubbles will appear near the leaks. The factory uses this method. I tried it, it works
Tape up the dorade vents and fabricate a companion way door panel from cardboard. Make a hole in it and blow in the hole with a leaf blower or the exhaust from a shop vac. It will pressurize the cabin a few psi. Walk around the top side and spray everything with soapy water. Bubbles will appear near the leaks. The factory uses this method. I tried it, it works
scuber connection to hull
I chased this problem on my 31. I found that the scubber connection at the hull was leaking. I am talking about where the fiberglass tubes are glassed to the hull. Mine only leaked when under way. Pull the rear access board (under the aft bunk in the center of the boat behind the battery cover directly over the shaft strut). Stick your head in there and with a flashlight look to the rear when under way and see if there is a trickle of water running from the area. It took me awhile to figure it out because it would not show up unless the boat was moving at a good speed. I just put a little fiberglass where there was a hairline crack and the problem was solved. (I did this when the boat was on the cradle.)
I chased this problem on my 31. I found that the scubber connection at the hull was leaking. I am talking about where the fiberglass tubes are glassed to the hull. Mine only leaked when under way. Pull the rear access board (under the aft bunk in the center of the boat behind the battery cover directly over the shaft strut). Stick your head in there and with a flashlight look to the rear when under way and see if there is a trickle of water running from the area. It took me awhile to figure it out because it would not show up unless the boat was moving at a good speed. I just put a little fiberglass where there was a hairline crack and the problem was solved. (I did this when the boat was on the cradle.)
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