Hunter 22 Keel problem

[David Williams]

Just hauled my boat this year and noticed 5-6 gallons of water coming out above the keel. My guess is that it was in the trunk. Never happened before. Of course, I never tightened the nuts either. Anyone have this problem? The fix?

 

[Chuck]

H22

Remove plates on bottom covering u bolts and use a sealant around the bolts inside and out to stop infiltration. Also check the bolts holding the rudder pintles as mine leaked last year, as well as the stantion bolts.

 

[Captn M]

"Gee, why didn't I think of that!"

David,Apparently the swing keel leaking deal is real with the Hunter 22. Chuck is right about the repair, but it takes two sets of hands. Ideally one set will have long, small fingers with lots of dexterity. I used 3M 5200 as the sealant and have not had a problem since (about 4 seasons, now!).Chuck is also right about leaking fixtures…stanchions, ports, deck fittings… Check them all. Particularly any around the control panel.My "Gee, why didn't I think of that!" contribution is to us a wet/dry vacuum to suck the water out of the bilge. I spent way too many hours with a pump and sponges, before my sailing novice lady friend said, "Why don't you suck it up with a vacuum!" Duh!  So, the vacuum stayed, but the lady jumped ship! So be the life of a mariner…Captn M, of the "MoonDancer"