H 30 Potential Bilge Water Problems

[Len]

I just bought a 1981 H 30. During winter storage my cockpit scuppers became clogged and cause water to accumulate in the cockpit. This water leaked into the boat. As a result, I found water in my port battery compartment such that my batteries were 2" deep in the water. The water did not drain into the bilge where it would have been pumped out. I had to manually pump out this water.The Batteries are on a shelf and below the shelf I still have 4 to 5 inches of water that I can not get at in order to pump it out. Is there supposed to be a drain that allows this water to flow into the bilge? If so, where does it run? How do you get at the opening in order to clean it out? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I tried to search the archives but I could not find any such discussions. Help!!!!

 

[Alan]

No Problemo!!!

Sounds like you have a leak in the quarterberth port or it just isn't tightened. Don't believe the battery compartment has a drainage into the bilge. You will not find one under the galley sink either unless yours is different than mine which is also an '81. Also check the drainage hoses from the scuppers. The port side comes in at the rear of the quarteberth and may be leaking under the cushionlove my boat

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

And from this experience, you've discovered

At least one of the reasons why it's a good idea to check on your boat at least weekly--and especially after storms--during winter storage. Clogged cockpit drains have sunk boats stored in the water...a broken or loose dockline can result in in damage to your boat or the one next to you. But even in dry storage,all kinds of things can happen...water can accumulate inside the boat--especially if you have a leaking stanchion or other deck hardware...wind can destroy deck canvas and sail covers if a snap comes loose...critters can set up housekeeping...and that's only the shortlist of the nasty surprises spring can bring. If your boat is too far away to check on it weekly, arrange with someone local to check on it. Pay 'em if necessary...and make at least a couple of trips, at least after any major storms, to see for yourself that your boat is ok.Not saying this to beat you up, but as advice for future winters.

 

[Len]

Alan - Install a 2nd Bilge Pump???

Alan. thanks for your prompt reply. Three questions: 1. How do you access the water to remove it? I can only get my manual bilge pump so far down into the area under the batteries?2. Are you saying that there is the same problem under the galley sink? Is the galley sink area at least connected to the area under the battery compartment? If not, I would have to install an automatic bilge pump in both areas or manually pump both areas out whenever I find water in them?? What do you do? An extreme measure - I guess you could cut out an access panel into the cabin sole? Is this an original design flaw? or just an oversight? Do the Archives address this issue?3. As Peggy kindly points out, inevitable you will get water leaks - mine are around the scuppers and the pedestal feet and pedestal guard feet. Any suggestions or references as to the best way to make them watertight?ThanksLen

 

[Chuck Petty]

It is a problem

There are a lot of posts in the archives about inaccessable places in the Cheribini's whaere wate can accumulate. Many folks have added limber holes in various places to promote drainabe.I have some spots in my H27 that do not drain. I go after them with a trukey baster with a piece of plastic tubing on the end.I know that some water in the boat is a given, but i am in the middle of a refit involving replacing the cabin floor a some of the "grid" because of rot and waterlogged wood. go after ANY leak with a vengance.Chuck,S/V Following Sea1984 Hunter 27