This problem is also posted under Pat H's "Hull leak in H-26 - Help!" post, but I feel it needs some serious attention. So, here goes... The bilge under the H26's cabin floor is not connected in any way that I can see to the rear bilge where the pump is. Not until water has risen a couple inches above the cabin sole can it pour over the lip between the cabin sole and the aft berth, and ultimately down into the rear bilge to be pumped out. This makes no sense to me. Boats take on water in many different situations. That water needs to be led to the bilge pump so it can be pumped out before a small problem becomes big. So, how can the H26 be modified to allow water to drain to the bilge pump. At bare minimum maybe there should be some holes drilled horizontally between the center and rear bilges. Is this possible? Do the water tanks interfere? What do you all think? Thanks - Ron Mehringer
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Dave Condon
Bilge
The top of the water tank is bonded to the hull. The floor pan is a solid unit that is on top of the water tank. In fact, the teak and holly sole is glued to recessed area of the floor pan. If you see water coming out from underneath the teak and holly sole, then it is trapped between the sole and recessed area. Generally, the water does flow back to the bilge underneath the rear berth but water will stand in the port and stbd storage lockers if the leak is coming from the compression post area. On the earlier 26's, Hunter had an inspection port in the floor but I found it was not necessary as the water eventually made its way to the bilge pump area. I have seen some water in the past stand between the floor pan and tank too but that eventually drained to the back too. Again, if there is water in the bilge, you need to determine where it is coming from and fix it. See the outline of how to find the leak under Pat's "Help". With the exception for Steve, nearly everyone hit on what I had indicated. As for Steve experiencing a problem with the tank lid being cracked, that is rare but as you indicated, Hunter stood behind it and that does need to be remembered as the guys in warranty really do care about your boats. Happy sailing
The top of the water tank is bonded to the hull. The floor pan is a solid unit that is on top of the water tank. In fact, the teak and holly sole is glued to recessed area of the floor pan. If you see water coming out from underneath the teak and holly sole, then it is trapped between the sole and recessed area. Generally, the water does flow back to the bilge underneath the rear berth but water will stand in the port and stbd storage lockers if the leak is coming from the compression post area. On the earlier 26's, Hunter had an inspection port in the floor but I found it was not necessary as the water eventually made its way to the bilge pump area. I have seen some water in the past stand between the floor pan and tank too but that eventually drained to the back too. Again, if there is water in the bilge, you need to determine where it is coming from and fix it. See the outline of how to find the leak under Pat's "Help". With the exception for Steve, nearly everyone hit on what I had indicated. As for Steve experiencing a problem with the tank lid being cracked, that is rare but as you indicated, Hunter stood behind it and that does need to be remembered as the guys in warranty really do care about your boats. Happy sailing
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Ron M
Dave, I'm a little slow...
I may be a little slow, so please bear with me. I still don't understand how water can work its way back to the rear bilge. My H26 is a 1997. I've only had it a few weeks, so there is still much to learn. But, from what I can see there is a thin area beneath the teak & holly sole. A small inspection port near the ladder provides a minimal amount of access. If water gets into here, how does it make it's way back to the rear bilge? Likewise, if water is on top of the cabin floor, how does it get back to the bilge? From what I can tell, this area between the floor and tanks is not open to the rear bilge area. Sorry to be so dense, but I just can't figure this one out. I really do appreciate the knowledge and experience you bring to this forum. Thanks - Ron Mehringer
I may be a little slow, so please bear with me. I still don't understand how water can work its way back to the rear bilge. My H26 is a 1997. I've only had it a few weeks, so there is still much to learn. But, from what I can see there is a thin area beneath the teak & holly sole. A small inspection port near the ladder provides a minimal amount of access. If water gets into here, how does it make it's way back to the rear bilge? Likewise, if water is on top of the cabin floor, how does it get back to the bilge? From what I can tell, this area between the floor and tanks is not open to the rear bilge area. Sorry to be so dense, but I just can't figure this one out. I really do appreciate the knowledge and experience you bring to this forum. Thanks - Ron Mehringer
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Dave Condon
More information
Ron; You are not dense or slow. You are probably an expert in your field of work which I probably know nothing about. I just happen to know these boats too well. Call Gregg in warranty at Hunter Marine and ask for my phone number and I will be glad to help you further with your problem. As I am a dealer, I will not give out who I am or where I am located out of respect for this forum. In this situation, I will be glad to help you if you will call me to locate the water problem you are having and how to resolve it. Happy sailing
Ron; You are not dense or slow. You are probably an expert in your field of work which I probably know nothing about. I just happen to know these boats too well. Call Gregg in warranty at Hunter Marine and ask for my phone number and I will be glad to help you further with your problem. As I am a dealer, I will not give out who I am or where I am located out of respect for this forum. In this situation, I will be glad to help you if you will call me to locate the water problem you are having and how to resolve it. Happy sailing
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Michael Bell
Hear Ya
I understand what your saying, Ron. (I own a 98 H26) That quite a bit of water would have to enter the boat before it ever reached the bilge pump. So, why isn’t there a (second) bilge pump at the lowest possible point? Guess the question is – can we install one there?
I understand what your saying, Ron. (I own a 98 H26) That quite a bit of water would have to enter the boat before it ever reached the bilge pump. So, why isn’t there a (second) bilge pump at the lowest possible point? Guess the question is – can we install one there?
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Pat Hooyman
Not much space
There is only 3/4 inches below the galley floor- not enough space for any switch even - to say nothing of a pump.
There is only 3/4 inches below the galley floor- not enough space for any switch even - to say nothing of a pump.
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Jeff Peltier
Pump location
I have a 260 whitch, I believe is about identical in this area. Early on, I had many leaks (compression post, upper ballast tank, connecting flange for top and bottom shells). Through all my diagnosing, it became obvious to me, the bilge pump was poorly located and virtually useless. My recommendation to Hunter was a slight modification to the back of the ballast tank, allowing the pump to be mounted considerably lower.
I have a 260 whitch, I believe is about identical in this area. Early on, I had many leaks (compression post, upper ballast tank, connecting flange for top and bottom shells). Through all my diagnosing, it became obvious to me, the bilge pump was poorly located and virtually useless. My recommendation to Hunter was a slight modification to the back of the ballast tank, allowing the pump to be mounted considerably lower.
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Pat Hooyman
Jeff - Tell more
Jeff Were any of the leaks below the floor? How did you find them? I have not been able to locate them. I pumped the boat out by hand through the floor access panel and put red dye in the ballast tank yesterday- will check it again in a couple of days. The boat is taking on about 1 & 1/2 gallons of water per day. In 6 days the water is above the floor. I have checked all areas I can see and no leaks although the area under the galley sink fils with water through a small crack - apparently in communication with the bilge. Any advice? Thanks Pat Hooyman
Jeff Were any of the leaks below the floor? How did you find them? I have not been able to locate them. I pumped the boat out by hand through the floor access panel and put red dye in the ballast tank yesterday- will check it again in a couple of days. The boat is taking on about 1 & 1/2 gallons of water per day. In 6 days the water is above the floor. I have checked all areas I can see and no leaks although the area under the galley sink fils with water through a small crack - apparently in communication with the bilge. Any advice? Thanks Pat Hooyman
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Dave Condon
Response to Pat Hooyman
Pat; Please advise if you see any red colored water. What year is your boat which may be under warranty? The amount of water coming in is not good and we need to figure out immedaitley where the water is coming from. Is it a 26 or 260?
Pat; Please advise if you see any red colored water. What year is your boat which may be under warranty? The amount of water coming in is not good and we need to figure out immedaitley where the water is coming from. Is it a 26 or 260?
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