for the first time since owning my Abbott22 I get water in the bilge when it rains. I have tarped over the cabintop, hatch and companionway but the same about of water shows up when there is an average rainfall. I know its not he keel because the this also happened in the winter when the boat is out of water. Deck has no corruptions. Cannot find traces under the storage spaces. any suggestion how to test ? Maybe hose it and have someone inside looking in any suspect places ?
Mystery bilge water
- Thread starter patriot007
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Hi, and welcome to the forum.
An easy way to find out 'where' such water is coming from is to use 'toilet paper' in various 'suspect' areas such as chainplate and other 'through deck' hardware, 'windows', hatches, mast/compression post base, etc. locations. Simply 'scatter' the TP in 'obvious' places, wait for it to rain and then check the TP.
Another method is to simply use a garden hose and 'mist' the 'usual suspects' for a moderately long time, etc. looking for the drip-drip-drip.
An easy way to find out 'where' such water is coming from is to use 'toilet paper' in various 'suspect' areas such as chainplate and other 'through deck' hardware, 'windows', hatches, mast/compression post base, etc. locations. Simply 'scatter' the TP in 'obvious' places, wait for it to rain and then check the TP.
Another method is to simply use a garden hose and 'mist' the 'usual suspects' for a moderately long time, etc. looking for the drip-drip-drip.
You can pressurize the cabin with air by reversing a vacuum cleaner and inserting the hose into a port window or companionway hatch. Seal all large openings with tape. Then take soapy water and sponge it over all parts of the exterior deck where you suspect a leak. When the bubbles appear to grow larger, you have found the potential area for water infiltration.
Do you have a keel stepped mast?
Do you have a keel stepped mast?
Really silly question but does your boat have adequate ventilation? My 25' Mac picks up a half gallon or so every couple of days when she's closed up.
Yes, I'm getting some powered vents ordered.
Frank
Yes, I'm getting some powered vents ordered.
Frank
RAD
The trick to making this work is to have a high volume vacuum cleaner and seal all major openings very well. It's the same principle as finding a leak in an inflatable boat or bicycle tube, only on a larger scale. We'll have to meet up with each other one day. Face to face. LOL
The trick to making this work is to have a high volume vacuum cleaner and seal all major openings very well. It's the same principle as finding a leak in an inflatable boat or bicycle tube, only on a larger scale. We'll have to meet up with each other one day. Face to face. LOL
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