Leak questions

[Gary]

Let me just state upfront that I am new to sailing and sailboats, so forgive my naivity. I just bought a 1984 Hunter 20. Everything is in great shape. I did find about a half gallon of water in the battery compartment and about a gallon in the compartment under the port 1/4 berth. Again, I don't know much, but water in with the battery does not sound like a good combination. Thanks for any help.Gary

 

[Debra Blatnik]

Small leaks common

Sailboats will take on water...this is what bilge pumps are for.Since I don't think the 20 came with an in board, you are probably getting water in through deck fittings -- like stantions -- or around hatches and portlights.Any water should flow to the bilge to be pumped out. If it is collecting in the battery compartment, you may need to add a drain hole so it will reach the bilge.That said, bilge pumps rarely pump out all the water. They are almost never in the lowest part of the bilge.Enjoy the boat!

 

[Ray Bowles]

Gary, After you dry out the standing water you

should try to find out the source of entry. Above the waterline or below? If the source is rain water thru port windows, deck fittings, hatch boards, mast stepping plates, etc. then the water intrusions from deck sources need to be stopped and sealed. If not they could lead into softning and sagging of deck surfaces and areas. Some of these areas are balsa wood cored between layers of fiberglass as in a sandwich. It ends up being the soggy bread syndrome. Bad condition.You can tell I'm a new sailer too by lack of better terms.RayS/V Speedy95 H26

 

[Tom]

Find the leak...

One trick to find leaks is to make chalk marks around the area where water is collecting and/or suspected entry point. The chalk will be disturbed by the water stream, helping to identify the source of the leak.Fair winds...Tom

 

[Gary]

Thanks

Just wanted to thank you for your replies. All of your suggestioins are appreciated. Nice to know I have a support group for the many questions that I am sure to have. Thanks again.