H240 Leak. . .HELP!

[Nathan Schaan]

Our boat is a 2002 Hunter 240. Last year about mid way through the sailing season we noticed water in the bilge. Didn't look like much so we emptied the bilge and decided to monitor throughout the season. Every time we went out a little water would show up. The last sail of the season we found nearly 2 gallons in the bilge in a completely dry bilge at the start of the sail.What we did discover is that only when the boat heeled so that the rail was close to the water did we have a problem. I have contacted Hunter via email and have had very little response. Our sailing season is short up here and I don't want to miss some of it because my boat is in the yard waiting for someone to look at it and decide how the warranty applies.Does anyone have a similar experience that I can point to and have Hunter respond or fix myself if it is easy enough? I seem to remember that the 260's had a problem with the seem between the top and bottom of the hull near the back of the boat. I wonder if this may be the same issue?Any help will be greatly appreciated.Fair Winds

 

[Phil]

I had the same problem

last summer on my 2002 260. It appears that the water was coming in from the ballast tank, due to the plug not being as tight as it should be. I know that this seems too simple, but I struggled with this for about 2 to 3 weeks prior to making sure the plug was tight.

 

[Jonathan Costello]

Check your thru-hull fittings

My sink drain clamp was loose at the hull fitting which caused water to leak in when we heeled. Check all your thu-hull fittings and do like Phil said. To paraphrase what Alan told me last year, "eliminate the simple things first then move on to the more difficult items." Good luck.Jonathan CostelloHeeling Powers

 

[crazy dave]

several areas to look at

Get several beefy fellows like me and offer them some beer. Stand in the front around the mast while in the water. rEmove the plate at the compression post base and see if water is coming from that area.Next check the wing nut that aopens the gate valve to allow water in the tank. There is a thin gasket on the bottom. If worn water will come thru there.Stand at the back and go inside to see if water is coming from the rear.Other items is the thru holes like instruments.If not, then possibly a leak from the top. Another later issue. Get back and post your findings and we will go from there. Make your post to Crazy Dave/leaks

 

[Nathan Schaan]

Stuff to do

Thanks for the info. We put boats in May 8. I'll try all of your tips then and report back.Thanks again.Nathan

 

[Rick Macdonald]

Sink drain question

My H23.5 doesn't leak but I never use my sink. The tank is always empty and I've removed the hand pump from beside the sink.It occurs to me that I might be better off to plug the through-hull hole. Do they make stoppers that I could just stick in the hole from the outside? I'd want to be able to remove it if I sell the boat someday....RickM...