The guy who sold me my '86 H-23 mentioned that there is a small amount of water seepage around the keel bolts. I've only had the boat a week and have not yet had it in the water, so have not verified. However, I have noticed what seems to be a perpetual dampness (and even a tiny amount of standing water) around the bolts--even after I dry them off. I'm wondering if the water might just be condensation due to the temperature difference between the cooler keel and the warmer cabin interior (due to the FL sun beaming through the companionway). Has anyone else run into either seepage or condensation? By the way, my keel seems to be firmly attached (doesn't noticably wiggle when yanked on). Thanks for your comments! - Kris
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Bruce
Keel Bolt Condensation
Kris, Congratulations on your boat; you'll love her. I had an 87 23' that I kept in south Georgia that also had moisture in this area. I kept the boat in the water for months at a time, and never had anything but general dampness and tiny spots of corrosion on the keel bolts, so I don't think it was seepage. It all went away when I started keeping a chemical (dry-z-air) dehumidifier on board, so I think your on the right track with humidity. Good luck!
Kris, Congratulations on your boat; you'll love her. I had an 87 23' that I kept in south Georgia that also had moisture in this area. I kept the boat in the water for months at a time, and never had anything but general dampness and tiny spots of corrosion on the keel bolts, so I don't think it was seepage. It all went away when I started keeping a chemical (dry-z-air) dehumidifier on board, so I think your on the right track with humidity. Good luck!
Same here
When I bought my H23 in June there was dust in the bilge as the hot Florida sun beat down relentlessly. Then the rainy season really set in, and Floyd and Irene left me a gift of moisture belowdecks via leaking chainplates and windows. Now the bilge is damp and there are tiny rust spots on top of the keelbolts. I will continue to monitor the area for more dampness as the water cools down. Peter Suah "Raven"
When I bought my H23 in June there was dust in the bilge as the hot Florida sun beat down relentlessly. Then the rainy season really set in, and Floyd and Irene left me a gift of moisture belowdecks via leaking chainplates and windows. Now the bilge is damp and there are tiny rust spots on top of the keelbolts. I will continue to monitor the area for more dampness as the water cools down. Peter Suah "Raven"
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Davor Kusec
moisture
My '86 h23 had a lot moisture at the keel boats. I recommend you always keep some dry chemical onboard. Also check for rain leaks around the chain plates, windows and the hull/deck joint. I was surprised at the abount of rain water that worked its way down to the keel bolts untill I resealed the top of the rubrail. ps. don't seal the bottom of the rubrail. sv. "Miss Brandy" Vancouver B.C.
My '86 h23 had a lot moisture at the keel boats. I recommend you always keep some dry chemical onboard. Also check for rain leaks around the chain plates, windows and the hull/deck joint. I was surprised at the abount of rain water that worked its way down to the keel bolts untill I resealed the top of the rubrail. ps. don't seal the bottom of the rubrail. sv. "Miss Brandy" Vancouver B.C.
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Dave Condon
Moisture
There are pockets where water stands that eventually seeps into the bilge under the floor that no one is able to get to. The water of course had come from leaks and stood creating mositure. This is based on experience
There are pockets where water stands that eventually seeps into the bilge under the floor that no one is able to get to. The water of course had come from leaks and stood creating mositure. This is based on experience
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Mark N
Recommend Solar Vent
My 86 H23 had a day only solar vent installed by the previous owner. Even though the boat gets a little water when it rains hard, all is gone after a couple hours of sunlight. This unit has kept the boat dry and sweet smelling in both FL and the Chesapeake.
My 86 H23 had a day only solar vent installed by the previous owner. Even though the boat gets a little water when it rains hard, all is gone after a couple hours of sunlight. This unit has kept the boat dry and sweet smelling in both FL and the Chesapeake.
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steven f
never!!
I had a H23 for five years and kept her on a mooring the ENTIRE time. She NEVER had moisture in her keel area. I sanded the bottom than sealed it with a sealer than painted the hull with anti-fouling paint. Every two years I redid the bottom paint. I never had even condinsation in the keel area, even here in SW fla. Only when my porta-pottie leaked did I have water around the keel bolt area. I would seriously check the keel area and apply a sealer around the keel (the entire hull for that matter). You might have moisture elsewhere in the hull (fiberglass) that is finding its way down the the bildge area. As you probably know, fiberglass in NOT waterproof. It does slow the passage of moisture but does not stop it, the gellcoat is what is used to make your hull waterproof. Good luck.
I had a H23 for five years and kept her on a mooring the ENTIRE time. She NEVER had moisture in her keel area. I sanded the bottom than sealed it with a sealer than painted the hull with anti-fouling paint. Every two years I redid the bottom paint. I never had even condinsation in the keel area, even here in SW fla. Only when my porta-pottie leaked did I have water around the keel bolt area. I would seriously check the keel area and apply a sealer around the keel (the entire hull for that matter). You might have moisture elsewhere in the hull (fiberglass) that is finding its way down the the bildge area. As you probably know, fiberglass in NOT waterproof. It does slow the passage of moisture but does not stop it, the gellcoat is what is used to make your hull waterproof. Good luck.
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Jim and Ellen
It's not coming from the hull!
If you look underneath the storage compartments below the cushions, you can find two circular openings that will allow you to look below the floor pan and between the hull. My hull is always dry, but I do get moisture ( an ounce or two) on the floor below the wooden inserts and this is either from rain seeping in the trough at the cabin cover or condensation. I believe it is the latter because my 23 is now on its trailer and tarped for the winter, I still (every two weeks) get moisture in the recesses of the floor boards at the keel bolts. If you had a leak in the hull, you would see the water below your floor. If you are like me, maybe a dehumidifier powder may be the answer..
If you look underneath the storage compartments below the cushions, you can find two circular openings that will allow you to look below the floor pan and between the hull. My hull is always dry, but I do get moisture ( an ounce or two) on the floor below the wooden inserts and this is either from rain seeping in the trough at the cabin cover or condensation. I believe it is the latter because my 23 is now on its trailer and tarped for the winter, I still (every two weeks) get moisture in the recesses of the floor boards at the keel bolts. If you had a leak in the hull, you would see the water below your floor. If you are like me, maybe a dehumidifier powder may be the answer..
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bill h
Oh No!
Kris; Well, I have sealed everything, new windows, use dessicant, solar powered vent fans, etc.. I recently noticed some rust on the stud nearest the bow, hauled the boat and found a crack at the keel to hull joint. Since the keel is cast iron and will rust, the stud is stainless. Take a GOOD look at this joint before launching. The stud may also be corroding (yes, stainless can fail too. I have a lot of work ahead of me this time!
Kris; Well, I have sealed everything, new windows, use dessicant, solar powered vent fans, etc.. I recently noticed some rust on the stud nearest the bow, hauled the boat and found a crack at the keel to hull joint. Since the keel is cast iron and will rust, the stud is stainless. Take a GOOD look at this joint before launching. The stud may also be corroding (yes, stainless can fail too. I have a lot of work ahead of me this time!
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