Mildew battle/deck leak on Hunter 23.5

[Chris Flanagan]

I recently purchased a 1993 Hunter 23.5 with the knowledge that there was a mildew issue, with 20/20 hindsight I may have reconsidered the purchase. Apparently the previous owners didn't properly winterize or maintain her properly. Regardless I love the boat and am committed to rectifying the issue and make her mine. I have completely stripped the inside of all the cushions and equipment to be cleaned. I have had some success reducing the odor by cleaning the cushions and the interior. I may end up having new cushions made if I can find them at a reasonable price. Although the odor has been mitigated it still remains in the cabin.

I believe that the carpeted liner on the inner hull surrounding the berths and/or the bilge may continue to hold the odor. I will try to clean them both and possibly remove the liner and replace it with a more sensible material.

All this is in vain if I don't locate and correct the deck leak as well. Currently she is dry docked, ventilated and tarped until I am satisfied with the results.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

.

 

[Karyon]

Make sure you clean out all the bilges underneath the rear births, remove the hatches (or lids) let it all dry out, get yourself a small pump weed sprayer , fill it with some bleach and spray in all the nooks and crannies where you can't reach with rags. let it dry out and that should help.

as for the cushions I would try to clean them the best you can, and that too air them out in the sun and wind.

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

Pull the screwed down panel in the forward end of the V-berth. Check for water or moisture in the foam up there. I had water coming in via the nav light wires in the bow pulpit.

 

[Tony_Furst]

Is the vent plug installed in the water ballast tank? I get a terrible mildew odor in mine if I forget to install the vent plug and she's been on the lift and drained for a few days.