Leaky Cabin

[Gary Groshans]

I've purchased a 28 ft. Oday, which from the start has rain leaking into the cabin. The areas most concentrated are: at base of wood panel (holding electrical panel), starboard light fixture above setee, rear starboard hull wall area in rear quarter berth. I've caulked around the windows, main traveler, and around the starboard genoa track, but is still leaking fairly severely. Thanks in adance for any other ideas!

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Troubleshooting leaks

Hi Gary -It can definitely be frustrating trying to find the source of some leaks. Since it appears you have several, and have been unsuccessful so far, you might try pressure testing from the inside of the boat. You'll need a roll of tape, a large shop-vac, cardboard, and a dry day. Start by making a template of one of the hatch boards out of carboard. Then tape every exterior hatch, port, and locker - fill dorades with rags or anything to seal them. Cut a hole in the cardboard companionway hatch board you made and tape the vacuum hose (hose inserted in the exhaust side of the unit) into it once it's in place. Turn on the vacuum. Now spend some time on deck with a solution of water and soap, spreading the solution on (and in) any areas where you think water might be entering (check that hull to deck joint!). If you see bubbles, you know you need to rebed or seal that area. The entire process shouldn't take more than a couple hours.Best of luck!Trevor

 

[Bill Coxe]

I am suffering much the same thing and I am in the process of removing almost everything and re-bedding same-grab rails, hatch slides, stanchions, chain plates. Water got in behind my aft-most port window and expanded and froze the insulation and I have a real job of fixing there. Then, of course, there are the jenny tracks and the traveler, winches, and hatches themselves. Let you know how I make out.

 

[Gary Groshans]

Leaky Cabin of Oday 28ft

Thanks for the replies. Obviously there are no solutions or quick fixes, other than to do a diligent search and just keep on with the removal of hardware and re-caulking!

 

[Ben]

I Think You Are Right!

I think in most instances that you are right...it is a process of removing deck hardware and re-sealing. I just found a leak that has left a damp spot above the bathroom vanity shelf in (of course) the tightest of areas. So we have our work cut out for us on the next trip to the boat! Ugh...