Help- h40.5 leak at light over salon table

[Rich Stidger]

I guess I am lucky- almost no leaks in my 1997 40.5. However, just yesterday I find dripping from the rim of the light over the salon table. I pulled off the light and found a bit of water pooled toward the aft edge. The fiberglass ceiling runs upward from the light toward the aft, so I suspect that the source is toward the traveler on deck.

If there is another 40.5 owner who has experienced this same leak, please point me to the source.

Otherwise I will just pull off the organizer cover and look for possible leaks.

 

[Bill Roosa]

You nailed it Rich, the screw holes that hold the sea hood down and the machine screws that act as axles and hold the deck organizers on are probably the source. Did you remove any of these lately?

 

[Rich Stidger]

Thanks, Bill. No I haven't removed any of these screws in quite a while. I have never removed the axle screws of the organizers. It looks like I now have another job.....

Bill- did you have an actual leak with these fasteners or is this your best guess?

 

[Rick D]

Wish I Could Help You

...for a change! Let us know what you find. At least you have a split hood.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I will report results..... if it ever stops raining here in the northeast. We chose this week and next for a cruise to Martha's Vineyard. We arrived at Bristol in Narragansett Bay on Saturday, and it has rained every day since. Even today we have T/S and intermittent hard rain thanks to Katia. Supposed to be high waves and surf 'til tomorrow. We are anchored in Dutch Harbor near Jamestown and Newport, RI. Got the gen-set recharging from overnight draw with the heat on and a full coffee cup. Looks like another 'down' day. At least we have books and a decent internet connection.

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Rich-
Check your solar panel. I had the exact same leak in the exact same spot. I gooped all around the panel and the hold down screws. Problem solved! Actually I pulled it up first and dried out the area and then gooped it up. Don't forget the wire entrance opening.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Thanks, POTL! I'll check that area too. I did have my rolled-up dinghy tied over the solar panel when the leak occurred. Maybe the weight (55#) caused a crack to open and let in water. In any event although I can remove, inspect, and caulk now, I won't know for sure until I can get a hose to douse the area.