H30T (93) Rainwater in swimming platform lockers

[Moodymike]

I did originally post this problem last December but I now have an update. My original thought was that rainwater was entering through the swim ladder brackets. I have now removed the ladder and sealed the bolt holes and still water is entering at quite a rate. I can only identify one possible entry from the backstay fittings but there is no evidence from the Talc powder trail I have laid. There is a raised skeg in the centre of the locker that collects the water both sides that would indicate water coming from a central position. These lockers appear to be sealed from the main lockers containing the fuel and waste tanks and there is no sign of water entry within the main hull.
Wherever this leak is it must be quite large to allow water in after every rainstorm. Appreciate any advice please.

 

[sail sfbay]

Might perform a water test from shore water hose to isolate the leak point.

 

[Moodymike]

Might perform a water test from shore water hose to isolate the leak point.

Just spent the morning doing exhaustive test with hose, no sign of leak. Nothing has changed. Tempting to give up in frustration.

 

[DanH30T]

just an FYI while discussing these storage lockers. mine('91) drain into the bilge. not a good place to store LP gas.

 

[Moodymike]

just an FYI while discussing these storage lockers. mine('91) drain into the bilge. not a good place to store LP gas.

Thanks for your reply, my problem is with the swim platform lockers, I think you are referring to the cockpit lockers which I agree do drain into the bilge.

 

[Justin_NSA]

My '91 30T cockpit locker has its own drain into the cockpit. I would guess, but I don't know, the platform lockers drain to the bilge. If not, they should.

 

[Moodymike]

My '91 30T cockpit locker has its own drain into the cockpit. I would guess, but I don't know, the platform lockers drain to the bilge. If not, they should.

Justin, agreed the cockpit locker has its drain to the cockpit . The platform lockers are virtually sealed from the main hull. Only possible entries, ladder bolts, rear mast stay mounts or the lids which are designed to be waterproof. Hence my problem.

 

[No Rush]

The best method for finding these nuisance leaks is to take a piece of heavy plastic and tape it over the locker opening with a shop vac hose taped through it. Pressurize the locker with the vac in blower mode Then using a spray bottle of soapy water, spray down the outside, especially around fittings and look for bubbles

 

[Moodymike]

The best method for finding these nuisance leaks is to take a piece of heavy plastic and tape it over the locker opening with a shop vac hose taped through it. Pressurize the locker with the vac in blower mode Then using a spray bottle of soapy water, spray down the outside, especially around fittings and look for bubbles

Thanks for the suggestion

 

[Capt Bill OD]

I did originally post this problem last December but I now have an update. My original thought was that rainwater was entering through the swim ladder brackets. I have now removed the ladder and sealed the bolt holes and still water is entering at quite a rate. I can only identify one possible entry from the backstay fittings but there is no evidence from the Talc powder trail I have laid. There is a raised skeg in the centre of the locker that collects the water both sides that would indicate water coming from a central position. These lockers appear to be sealed from the main lockers containing the fuel and waste tanks and there is no sign of water entry within the main hull.
Wherever this leak is it must be quite large to allow water in after every rainstorm. Appreciate any advice please.

I've had the same problem of water coming through a gudgeon for the swim ladder. It got smashed into the dock during a storm and that wound up opening one of the bolt holes. I replaced the gudgeon and used 5200 to glue it down with bigger bolts. Alas, it still leaks and I'm at a loss at what to do. Very discouraging.

 

[Moodymike]

I've had the same problem of water coming through a gudgeon for the swim ladder. It got smashed into the dock during a storm and that wound up opening one of the bolt holes. I replaced the gudgeon and used 5200 to glue it down with bigger bolts. Alas, it still leaks and I'm at a loss at what to do. Very discouraging.

Sorry to hear about your accident, I have always been convinced that it is the ladder bolts, I have today just rebedded with a copious amount of Butyl tape.