Hunter 33.5 - Leaks

[Glenn8732]

I recently took delivery of my Hunter 33.5, and close examination revealed the quandrant hatch cover in the cockpit to be completed waterlogged and delaminated. I also discovered water damage at the back of the rear berth. Has anyone had problems with how the water drains out of the cockpit? From what I can tell it goes into the space beneath the hatch cover, and must come out along the sides of the cover at the back? I've attached a picture of the cover.

GPenner
S/v Fast Company

 

[Jeff]

Our 1993 model year has the same design. I take our cover off from time to time
to clean underneath. A lot of dirt seems to get trapped in there. I can never quite wash all of it our with the cover in place. When replacing I silicone the screw holes to prevent leaks.

 

[Alan]

The 33.5 and 35.5 have the same basic design. If the cover collects too much dirt it forms a dam and water will back up rather than flow out the back. The cables from the steering pedestal pass through a hole in the side of this compartment. If water backs up high enough it will overflow through this hole and down the back of the aft stateroom bulkhead. The fix is to completely seal up the hole with silicone sealant that the cables pass through to prevent any water penetration. It's not a big job. It took me some investigation time to find and cure it.

 

[Glenn8732]

Thanks, Makes sense, I'm a little concerned about snow and ice melting from the top before everything is thawed below. I will probably tarp the area for winter.

 

[navigator97]

We also have a H-33.5 (1990) and you do have to ocasionally remove the large rectangular cover. There are about 8 (+ or-) screws. Then you can thoroughly clean out dirt and leaves that accumulate, wash out the area and the underside of the cover. You need to do this at least every other year - if not every year. While you are in there check and reseal all electrical cable penetrations. When dry and you are putting the cover back you can use some silicone around the screw heads, but that is just to secure them in place. Most all water going in there is thru the 4 large slots on the top. When washing down I ususlly run a stream of water thru those slots to try to flush out some dirt and debris. Also while you are in there lightly lube the steering cable, quadrant groves, and turning block sheaves with 5W30 or so oil. Run the helm full over in one direction and apply oil, then full over in the other direction and apply oil. Don't over apply oil - it only needs a little. If you can, you should probably remove the cover this fall to do some basic cleanout before the winter snow and rain put more water in there. Then do the rest of the cleaning and oiling in the spring.

Dick, S/V Puffin

 

[Glenn8732]

I had to remove the cover already, as it was completely delaminated. I fibreglass off the back and removed all the plywood from the cover. I then proceeded to cut new plywood to fit, and reglassed using West epoxy and 3 layers of cloth.

There was enough leakage in my back berth to rot out the plywood floor in a small area. I may also remove the quadrant and check the seal on the nylon bushing to ensure water is not getting in that way. Sounds like the electrical conduit is the most likely culprit though.

If you have the Hunter 1990 version, do you have the wooden mast post, and have you replaced it. It appears that mine is rotted in the bottom few inches. My boat hasn't been sailed for several years, so it has a few issues to sort out before I bend the sails next summer.

Thanks very much

Glenn

 

[navigator97]

Hi Glenn, Yes, on our 1990 H-33.5 we do have the wood compression post under the mast. It seems OK so far and we have not replaced it. (And hope we don't have to.) The photo of the cover sure shows the mess you found. Removing the plywood and replacing it and glassing it in should solve that. Your approach sounds good. Good luck with the rest of your restoration.

Dick, S/V Puffin

 

[wufibugs]

Just a note. The Hunter support tech told me that Hunter began using aluminum compression posts afer 92. If you need to replace yours, you may want to see if Hunter has a metal replacement available. Otherwise you would want to have one fabricated.