Leaky bilge/grid area?

[Leaky Waters]

Hi there,Anyone experienced mysterious soapy/fresh water surfacing from under the grid area into the bilge, appearing from the grid area right in front of the engine assembly hatch all the way by the door to the v berth? Not much water , but enough that the bilge pump turns on pretty frequent.This is on a brand new 2005 373, 80 engine hours.Took the boat for its scheduled maintenance into our dealer, and they cant find the source of it. First we thought it was from the head as we take frequent showers in there (shower is better than at home!), but that has been ruled out (they say they have checked the plumbing systems and no luck).Additionally, water is appearing in the grid bilge right under the battery box in front of the engine (where you lift the steps to reveal the engine compartment). Engine guru couldnt figure out what the source is (they say its sloshing out from under the grid and depositing there after we sail/tack, etc). No leak from the shaft seal.They are indicating its coming from the AC Condenser. They can't install a "mermaid" which will pump the condensation out thru hull with the rest of the water as there isnt enough space around the condenser.Anyone have any suggestions as a path forward? Anyone experienced this before? There has to be a logical explanation from this. I dont believe that a brand new boat has this amount of water in the bilge area (granted, it never goes through the raised floor).Thanks.

 

[Charlie Gruetzner - BeneteauOwners.net]

Leaks

It could very well be the AC condensation but it sounds like it might be too much water. I had a similar problem with my 361 as it turns out the aft water tank was leaking at the seam on the inside where the threaded rod came through the tank to secure it. Check there it sounds like it might be the same issue.Good luckCharlie

 

[Tim]

Don't check anything

A brand new boat? Don't check anything yourself, tell Beneteau to fix it or you want your money back, period! I've had so many little nuisance items on my 321 that I will NEVER buy another Beneteau again. Cheap plumbing that can't easily be replaced, electrical wiring that is inaccessible, shower drain routed so that the tubing split due to stress and drained the shower into the bilge, a plumbing leak that I cannot find to save my life, engine cover so large and bulky that its a major chore to access the engine, leaky cockpit locker, toerail screws that leaked into the hull-deck joint, and other little stuff. And then I read here about someone having electrical shorts in the main panel?? The next boat will be a Catalina or a Jeanneau!

 

[Stan]

Beneteau 361

First I need to say that I've owned a B361 for 4 years and absolutely love it. I have had the same water problems you describe and found it to be multiple issues. I aha a leak from the stern fresh water tank around the gauge on the top of the tank. I also had problems with a/c condensation sloshing out of the pan under the condenser when sailing. I proved it by putting food coloring in the condensation pan and when it showed up in the grid I knew what had to be done. BTW my a/c is installed in the port lazerrete on my B361

 

[Don Barclay]

water(salt) in engine battery area

I'm not sure about the source of the fresh soapy h2o but I have a good guess as to the other in the battery area. I have the same concern - mine is coming from the air vent tube that comes out of the top of the Vetus anti- siphon break. The dealer has replaced this item already but it still spits out about a liter an hour under power. I have cut the strap ties that hold this vent tube to the side bulkhead & have it directed into a 1 gallon plastic jug which I have to remember to empty every 2nd day.I hope this gives you some direction.

 

[Dave]

Snap!

Have 373 hull 112 delivered in June! Had the soapy water (slightly salty)thing in the battery area. Dealer pulled up the shower drain and there was no clamp on the hose at the drain - apparently - not convinced but no further occurrence. We have no a/c. wWill be interested to hear what you find.

 

[Stan]

Food Coloring

Just add food coloring to wherever you think thewater is coming from. It's a sure fire to track the problem