Hunter 23 leaks and cabin wood

[DanFleig]

Great boat though, very forgiving and sails really well. I was amazed at how mine handled, even in the lightest air conditions when other boats were becalmed on the bay I hope you get to sail yours soon, they're a blast.

 

[JourneyToIthaka]

I recently purchased a new "to me" H23, that's in pretty good shape except for the cabin sole. The Boat seems to have an issue taking on water and the wood cabin sole has completely fallen apart. As far as the leak is concerned. it seems to be caused by water coming in during heavy rains. I've removed the wooden cabin sole and over a couple of dry days don't see any leakage around the keel bolts. Unfortunately after heavy rains there's a lot of water in the boat. From what I can tell the majority keeps coming in through the weep hole in the last bilge before the forward compartment. I'm pretty sure that's routing water from under the cockpit area forward. Can anyone confirm? also, can anyone give advice on how to stop this or slow the rainwater leakage down? I'm considering putting a bilge pump back there, but am hesitant about drilling another through-hull. Thoughts? As for my ruined wood, any idea where I can replace it? Is there perhaps a good looking material that would be more resilient to water? I appreciate any help you all can offer me! Dan

I do not believe this question was answered.
I have replaced the hose under the lazzerette. It was leaking fresh water when it rained. I still have a problem. I do not have any leaks or drips under the carpeting on the walls. So I don't think that is an issue. I am replacing the anchor locker hose. I don't see any water but just in case.
What else could leak fresh water?

 

[Kermit]

Dan; Here is the best way to find topside leaks which will require another person and a few items to include plastic, tape and a bucket or good soapy water with brush and garden hose. Forgot the leaf blower. You want to pressurize the cabin to force air out which is the key as where air escapes, water will penetrate. Close off opening ports and tape around the where it closes. This includes the forward hatch. Then take a large piece of plastic taping it to the entire companionway. Put a slit in it just big enough to insert a leaf blower and tape around it. Then start it and let the other person brush all fittings, rub rail and so on and where you see air bubbles coming out, then that is a source of leakage. Usually the wire chain plates, anchor well, screw/bolt attachment areas of lockers and so on were culprits. Hope this helps.

What crazy Dave said. Should be the quickest way to find the leak.

 

[MrUnix]

99% of water intrusion on my H23 comes from the hatch.. during pouring rains, it comes in around the slider, and the drain channels in front of the traveller are so small, the water builds up to where it actually comes in over the bottom lip of the companionway. Any bit of debris in the area also makes the problem worse as it clogs up the drain channels. Still working on a way to 'fix' that little design feature

Cheers,
Brad

 

[JourneyToIthaka]

I believe I have a hatch cover which makes a lot of sense. I was going to lift the traveler and silicon it as well as put washers with a water tight seal. But I think the cover makes the most sense. Thank you!