My 1986 Hunter 28.5 is experiencing water leaks in three (3) places: A. Aft berth, approximately where the holding tank is located. Evidence points to leakage via the toe rail since the carpet lining the hull is stained. B. Galley, just above the stove/icebox area. Suspect the long sealed light (window) above the galley since this area has a long (app. 36"x6") lexan type unit which has a caulked/screwed interface with the fiberglass cabin cap. C. Head. I have found a rust colored stain on top of the sink cabinet near the door to the storage cabinet. While none of these leaks results in much accumulation during rain or washings, it is something I want to correct early on before the problem gets serious. Have any of you 28.5 owners had a similar experience? If so, how have you resolved them. You may respond at my e-mail address which is: nnchronis@aol.com
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Leaks
You probably do have some toe rail leaks. First make sure that all of the bolts are tight. Also make sure that all cleats, tracks, stanchions, chainplates are are not the culprits. Rebed accordingly. You mentioned that your carpet in the aft cabin was stained but did not mention if that was at the top or at the bottom. I found my carpet was damp as well as on the bottom of the aft cushions. The culprit was a leak in the exhuast hose which when heeled, allowed water to migrate to the port side and then under the cushion and even got so far as the hanging locker. It sounds as though your window just needs to e recaulked. This may also be a source for your other leaks. Water migration is one of the great mysteries of boat ownership. I don't care what anybody says, all boats leak. Good luck!
You probably do have some toe rail leaks. First make sure that all of the bolts are tight. Also make sure that all cleats, tracks, stanchions, chainplates are are not the culprits. Rebed accordingly. You mentioned that your carpet in the aft cabin was stained but did not mention if that was at the top or at the bottom. I found my carpet was damp as well as on the bottom of the aft cushions. The culprit was a leak in the exhuast hose which when heeled, allowed water to migrate to the port side and then under the cushion and even got so far as the hanging locker. It sounds as though your window just needs to e recaulked. This may also be a source for your other leaks. Water migration is one of the great mysteries of boat ownership. I don't care what anybody says, all boats leak. Good luck!
28.5 Leaks
Had most of the same problems. Tighting the bolts on the entire toe rail cured most. the lexan window is easily removed. Clean the crud that was once sealant, reseal with silicone sealer and replace. This is a simple job and cured that problem. Our boats are getting older and need "tightening" a bit!
Had most of the same problems. Tighting the bolts on the entire toe rail cured most. the lexan window is easily removed. Clean the crud that was once sealant, reseal with silicone sealer and replace. This is a simple job and cured that problem. Our boats are getting older and need "tightening" a bit!
cabin leak (another)
My 86 H28.5 has a slight leak on starboard side just inside(forward) of the divider between the V berth and salon. I think its some how coming down the mast post . Any ideas?
My 86 H28.5 has a slight leak on starboard side just inside(forward) of the divider between the V berth and salon. I think its some how coming down the mast post . Any ideas?
Leak in V-Berth
We had the same problem. In a heavy rainstorm one night, we climbed up into the V and the cushions were soaked! After some experimenting we discovered that the leak was coming from the anchor-locker latch on deck! Where the sliding bolt-latch goes into the hole, it was open and could drain down and run intot he V. I ended up taking a plastic sandwich bag, cutting it into small pieces and stuffing it into the hole. Between each piece being stuffed, I gave it a shot oif Silicone bedding sealer. I had to do it several times to ensure I got it all nice and firmly packed. After every 2 pieces installed, I would work the latch bolt into the hole to make sure it wasn't TOO full! This was 4 yrs ago and we have had no problems since. Hope this helps. Rick Colibri Racine, WI
We had the same problem. In a heavy rainstorm one night, we climbed up into the V and the cushions were soaked! After some experimenting we discovered that the leak was coming from the anchor-locker latch on deck! Where the sliding bolt-latch goes into the hole, it was open and could drain down and run intot he V. I ended up taking a plastic sandwich bag, cutting it into small pieces and stuffing it into the hole. Between each piece being stuffed, I gave it a shot oif Silicone bedding sealer. I had to do it several times to ensure I got it all nice and firmly packed. After every 2 pieces installed, I would work the latch bolt into the hole to make sure it wasn't TOO full! This was 4 yrs ago and we have had no problems since. Hope this helps. Rick Colibri Racine, WI
Your Galley Window Leak
Your port side lexan window above the galley is probably your culprit. I had a similiar problem on my starboard side, just above the map table and electrical panel. The fix: 1) The inside and outside plastic molding needs to be removed carefully (it can break). 2) Clean all of the original sealant off of the frame and the plastic pieces. Remove sealant from the window, enough so it can be used as a template for a replacement piece. After 13 years, the window was heavily grazed. I opted to replace it. 4)The tough part - find a supplier of plastic windows in your area. Most will custom cut the lexan for you for a nominal fee. 5) Purchase replacement glass for two windows. I went up to 3/16 thickness (from the original 1/8). It is stiffer and does flex (breaking seals) as easily. This cost about $37 with custom cutting. 6) Apply sealant (LOTS) to inside of exteriot frame and fit window into it. Visually inspect to verify that enoug sealent has completely filled the gaps between the window and frame. 7) Apply sealant (LOTS) to the inside of the window and frame edge. Too much is better than not enough. 8) Fit the window and frame to thewindow cut-out and mount with the screws. Excess sealant should ooze out everywhere. Clean up the excess. 9) Fit interior frames back into place and clean up and sealent on the inside of the window and frames. The key to success is having enough sealant applied to fill the voids between the pieces. After seeing how nice the new window looks, you'll want to do the other too. Good luck. Doug Gould Quantum Leap
Your port side lexan window above the galley is probably your culprit. I had a similiar problem on my starboard side, just above the map table and electrical panel. The fix: 1) The inside and outside plastic molding needs to be removed carefully (it can break). 2) Clean all of the original sealant off of the frame and the plastic pieces. Remove sealant from the window, enough so it can be used as a template for a replacement piece. After 13 years, the window was heavily grazed. I opted to replace it. 4)The tough part - find a supplier of plastic windows in your area. Most will custom cut the lexan for you for a nominal fee. 5) Purchase replacement glass for two windows. I went up to 3/16 thickness (from the original 1/8). It is stiffer and does flex (breaking seals) as easily. This cost about $37 with custom cutting. 6) Apply sealant (LOTS) to inside of exteriot frame and fit window into it. Visually inspect to verify that enoug sealent has completely filled the gaps between the window and frame. 7) Apply sealant (LOTS) to the inside of the window and frame edge. Too much is better than not enough. 8) Fit the window and frame to thewindow cut-out and mount with the screws. Excess sealant should ooze out everywhere. Clean up the excess. 9) Fit interior frames back into place and clean up and sealent on the inside of the window and frames. The key to success is having enough sealant applied to fill the voids between the pieces. After seeing how nice the new window looks, you'll want to do the other too. Good luck. Doug Gould Quantum Leap
V berth leak -Thanks Rick
Thanks for the tip on the anchor locker latch. The leak is only on that side so its probably that! Maybe I would use some of that foam seal and then shape it for the latch bolt by using a plastick "sleave" on the bolt. Thanks again, J. McCue Safeharbor
Thanks for the tip on the anchor locker latch. The leak is only on that side so its probably that! Maybe I would use some of that foam seal and then shape it for the latch bolt by using a plastick "sleave" on the bolt. Thanks again, J. McCue Safeharbor
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