Hunter 35.5 water leaks

[Don12480]

I have a 1992 H 35.5 and I am trying to locate a water leak that ends up in the starboard rear of the aft cabin.
With the inner liners a leak can originate anywhere and the water migrate to certain areas and I am thinking that is the case.
So what are the most common areas to check for leaks? genoa cars? chain plates?
I have heard that the large cover mounted forward of the hatch which cover the lines leading into the cockpit can hide problems? has anyone taken this off?
We are in Vancouver and get a lot of rain in the winter.
I can always find fresh water in the bilge so there is more that 1 leak I am dealing with. ( not the water tank)
Any thoughts apprteciated,
Thankls Don

 

[richk]

Don

We have an H35 (1988). Construction is similar to yours. We have a quarterberth leak which I haven't pinpointed yet. I suspect it's coming from the deck penetration of the pedestal and associated steering/wiring mechanism. I have removed the cover forward of the aft hatch. That's the one covering the lines led aft. Not much under it. If you suspect it, easy to remove. Just make sure you put sealant/bedding compound in the holes before you batten it back down.

Sorry I'm not much more help than that.

Rich in a cold, wintry Annapolis (-1 C, about 1 inch of snow)

 

[BLIGHT]

I have an 35.5 1989 that had the same leak in starboard side of the aft cabin I traced the leak to rear cabin bulkhead just to starboard side of where the center removable covers for the shaft are located. If that is the area where your leak is the solution is to rebed the hole where the cables from the pedestal pass through to the starboard read cockpit hatch. This is accomplished by removing the cover over the wheel quadrant to the rear of the pedestal and locating the cable hole on the starboard side. Remember, try to remove as much of the old sealant as possible before reapplying the new sealant and try to get the new sealant in all the voids around the cables.

If you need a picture of the location where I found my leak please let me know.

Bob

It's also cold in Towson with ice covering the snow from last night

 

[Honeyman]

Has your holding tank been replaced? I'm guessing it has or you would know from the odor where it came from. On my 35.5 when the rusted out tank did leak, it wound up exactly where you described. Water in the bilge itself is usually from the wires that pass through the compression post and up through the mast. Should be a "drip loop"inside the lower part of the mast where it mounts to cabin top. Unfortunately, only way to check this out or repair is to lift the stick up about a foot. Remove the panel in the ceiling around the upper part of compression post and check around in there to see if it looks like water is coming into that area. The advice on the cover over the steering quadrant and cables, aft of the pedestal is good. Remove that, about 8 screws, and check around in there.

 

[Don12480]

Thanks for your replies, Due to the location I think it may be under the steering quadrant. I have removed the mast post cover from inside the cabin and all looks dry. I have had the quadrant cover off a few times installing a rudder sensor so maubee it is in that area.
Regards Don

 

[Gary Howe]

Windows and hatches

 

[BLIGHT]

You got it nailed

Don
If you have installed a new rudder indicator and ran a cable through the hole you have surely disturbed the sealant and now is the time to rebed the entry point.

Bob

 

[Alan]

Blight

...I suspect there is an error in your address under the avatar....maybe?

 

[BLIGHT]

Re: Blight

Alen

Not sure what you mean about the error in address under the Avatar.

Bob