The seal leaks on the fresh water tank in my recently acquired H-28 (1990). This is especially noticeable when the tank is full. Has anyone else experienced this? What suggestions do you have for sealant to use to repair this? The breather vent routing dips to the lowest level of the tank. Would eliminating the dip be a good idea? Any and all ideas will be welcome
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Peggie Hall/HeadMistress
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Hugh McCully
More Info!
I apologize for the lack of detail! The leak is from the seal between the moulded fresh water tank in the vee berth and its cover plate made of plywood. This cover is held to the fiverglass with a number of wood screws with cup washers.
I apologize for the lack of detail! The leak is from the seal between the moulded fresh water tank in the vee berth and its cover plate made of plywood. This cover is held to the fiverglass with a number of wood screws with cup washers.
What do you think Peggie?
Hugh: I think that you have a huge problem. The cover for these integrated fresh water tanks were fiberglass. First I would call Hunter and see if they have any of these available. If that does not work, I would find a shop (or you can do it your self) to make one. I think what probably happened is the previous owner tried to removed the cover to clean the tank and probably destoyed it during the removal process.
Hugh: I think that you have a huge problem. The cover for these integrated fresh water tanks were fiberglass. First I would call Hunter and see if they have any of these available. If that does not work, I would find a shop (or you can do it your self) to make one. I think what probably happened is the previous owner tried to removed the cover to clean the tank and probably destoyed it during the removal process.
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Bruce Grant
Nope, that was standard on that boat
Had the same issue with my 90 H28, I got lucky and pulled the cover, cleaned the tank and put the cover back on and screwed it down tight. The seal and sealant were in good shape and from that point on when I filled the tank, I would empty the excess water by running the taps after a fill. I never had any problems with it for the 2 years that I owned the boat afterwards. Did you find the leak by having about 20 gallons of water in the stowage area in front of the water tank? Thats how I found mine. I think that if you can find a sealant that can be used with water and lay down a new bead around the opening, you will be in good shape. Looked like they used black tar when they sealed mine. Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
Had the same issue with my 90 H28, I got lucky and pulled the cover, cleaned the tank and put the cover back on and screwed it down tight. The seal and sealant were in good shape and from that point on when I filled the tank, I would empty the excess water by running the taps after a fill. I never had any problems with it for the 2 years that I owned the boat afterwards. Did you find the leak by having about 20 gallons of water in the stowage area in front of the water tank? Thats how I found mine. I think that if you can find a sealant that can be used with water and lay down a new bead around the opening, you will be in good shape. Looked like they used black tar when they sealed mine. Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
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Peggie Hall/HeadMistress
Aha...now I know what you need to do.
I wouldn't use any sealant...for one thing, you won't be able to open the tank up to clean it, which--since that's impossible for most of us, is a great benefit for you. But sealants can be toxic, and overfilling a water tank--which most of us do regularly--puts your water in contact with it. Buy some thick rubber gasket material--available from Home Depot--and make a gasket for it. It may be necessary for you to fill the screw holes and re-tap 'em to be sure you get a good bite when you put the cover back on. And yes...take the dip out of the vent hose. Replace it with an arch to keep salt water from getting into the fresh water.
I wouldn't use any sealant...for one thing, you won't be able to open the tank up to clean it, which--since that's impossible for most of us, is a great benefit for you. But sealants can be toxic, and overfilling a water tank--which most of us do regularly--puts your water in contact with it. Buy some thick rubber gasket material--available from Home Depot--and make a gasket for it. It may be necessary for you to fill the screw holes and re-tap 'em to be sure you get a good bite when you put the cover back on. And yes...take the dip out of the vent hose. Replace it with an arch to keep salt water from getting into the fresh water.
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Hugh McCully
Leaking Tank -A Plan!
Thanks to Bruce (Neon Moon) for comiseration! There weren't quite 20 gallons in the stowage area, but close to two buckets full. Running the taps after a fill is a good precautionary suggestion. Thanks to Peggy for the sealant/gasket suggestions. I will open the tank and see what gasket material is appropriate. Rerouting the vent hose will be fun. I appreciate the time and effort taken to offer the help.
Thanks to Bruce (Neon Moon) for comiseration! There weren't quite 20 gallons in the stowage area, but close to two buckets full. Running the taps after a fill is a good precautionary suggestion. Thanks to Peggy for the sealant/gasket suggestions. I will open the tank and see what gasket material is appropriate. Rerouting the vent hose will be fun. I appreciate the time and effort taken to offer the help.
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