Since the day I commissioned her (new) our 2007 Hunter 44 has had a leak in the starboard water tank. This is one of three tanks, about 50 gal. It can drain itself dry in about 2 days with the manifold turned off to the tank. However, it does not always leak. I had it in the yard full for weeks last year with no leak. All the fittings are on the top of the tank. I assume there must be a very small hole or crack near the bottom. Of course, the tank is removable only by taking apart a good chunk of the interior, removing part of sole, etc. I can get this done under warranty, but I was wondering if it might be possible to put a sealant into the tank, have seen Capt Tolley's crack treatment written about. And why would a simple leak like this be so intermittent? Am I missing something?
mystery water tank leak
- Thread starter Steve Feinsilver
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Steve:
It is doubtful that anything is going to permannently seal a poly tank. Get it fixed under warranty.
It is doubtful that anything is going to permannently seal a poly tank. Get it fixed under warranty.
I hope you mentioned the problem to the dealer and have good documentation of it. Getting it fixed under warranty is probably your best bet.
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Congratulations to Steve Dion for passing the 10,000 milestone of posts on this site. His is the word of experience.
Having said that, I'm not sure the polyurethene tank is leaking. Try scattering blue tradesman powder around the base to see if it gets wet.
I spent much of the past winter searching for leaks on a 1998 Catalina 320, and came up with more than a dozen potential places, many of which I fixed. In the final analysis, it turns out the keel is slightly off and needs to have the bolts tightened -- but only on the hards. My point: leaks are tricky.
Congratulations to Steve Dion for passing the 10,000 milestone of posts on this site. His is the word of experience.
Having said that, I'm not sure the polyurethene tank is leaking. Try scattering blue tradesman powder around the base to see if it gets wet.
I spent much of the past winter searching for leaks on a 1998 Catalina 320, and came up with more than a dozen potential places, many of which I fixed. In the final analysis, it turns out the keel is slightly off and needs to have the bolts tightened -- but only on the hards. My point: leaks are tricky.
Easiest way to find a leak...
Put a little red food coloring in the water...it won't hurt you and will disappear in a couple of tankfuls. Then look for red or pink wet spots on fittings and on the "floor" under 'em...and also for any red or pink cracks in the tank or the plumbing.
Btw...the tank material is polyethylene
Put a little red food coloring in the water...it won't hurt you and will disappear in a couple of tankfuls. Then look for red or pink wet spots on fittings and on the "floor" under 'em...and also for any red or pink cracks in the tank or the plumbing.
Btw...the tank material is polyethylene
Yes, it is under warranty,and has been reported to the dealer, but I really did not like the prospect of having the floor taken up- it is the starboard tank and clearly not removeable without cutting a structural part of the floor pan. Figured it is a low pressure system, it was a slow leak, and just fresh water into the bilge.
So... with little to lose, I cut an 8" inspection port into the top of the tank, and was able to stick my hand, a flashlight, and some mirrors into it, and I was actually able to find a flaw in the bottom of the tank. Looks (or feels) like a spot where a fitting would be if the tank were installed to drain from the bottom. Anyway, gobbed a big lump of silicone onto it and it seems to be holding water! For now at least I am feeling pretty smug. Of course, we shall see how long it lasts, but it is now pretty easy to stick my hand in and drop some more sealant on it.
So... with little to lose, I cut an 8" inspection port into the top of the tank, and was able to stick my hand, a flashlight, and some mirrors into it, and I was actually able to find a flaw in the bottom of the tank. Looks (or feels) like a spot where a fitting would be if the tank were installed to drain from the bottom. Anyway, gobbed a big lump of silicone onto it and it seems to be holding water! For now at least I am feeling pretty smug. Of course, we shall see how long it lasts, but it is now pretty easy to stick my hand in and drop some more sealant on it.
Steve: This is not a permanent fix. Between the dealer & the factory I am sure they can replace the tank and put the boat back together again.
Don't pass up the oppurtunity to get this fixed correctly at their expense.
Don't pass up the oppurtunity to get this fixed correctly at their expense.
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