O'Day 28 - mysterious leak

[kevekev]

Hello all,

I bought my 28 last winter, and started the work to repair any issues soon after --some big ones like: soaked deck core under the starboard wench replaced and re-glassed (wenches were previously upgraded without properly sealing "no silicone" bolts), overhauled the steering, some hull work, replaced all through hulls, interior wood work, Etc..

One of the main things was to stop any leaks to stop any musty or damp smell from coming back ... Got them all except ... A leak which comes out the starboard cabin light... I resealed/siliconed the lewmar hatch behind the mast, and both hand rails thinking those would be the culprit... No dice, didn't even put a dent in the amount drips coming out during heavy rain (an awhile after the rain too).

Anyone ever have this issue.... And if so... Please share your solution and the culprit??

Thanks - Kev

 

[Panta Rei]

I hear sealing the hull and pressurizing the hull with a leaf blower is the best way to find every leak. Pressurize the hull and mop soap water over the deck and look for bubbles. You will find info on this elsewhere on the web. I plan to do this next summer. I have two leaks that I am 95% certain where they come from but want to be 100% certain.
The musty smell comes from mold , check out the CNN video and mold/odor removal at http://www.boatertech.com/ get the leaks and deal with the mold/musty odor ASAP. You will find several sad stories on the web where sailors where sensitized to mold and it ended there sailing for good.
You can get great advise from others on the proper sealing materials. Each material has a very specific function. Be sure you are using the correct sealant or you will be back doing the job next year.

 

[TENACITY CS36T]

Great advice Panta Rei, thx for sharing.

 

[Tom Potter]

Kev,
I had a similar leak from my port cabin light. My culprit was the long lexan port. It was replaced before I bought the boat by a nameless yard. They had over tightened the screws and had cracked the lexan in a couple of places around the screw holes. I ordered a replacement port from DR. When I was taking the old port off I also discovered that it had not been sealed properly. Since I have replaced the port the leak has stopped.

You can get a helper and have them watch the cabin light for drips as you spray water from a hose on the port. Start low with the water and work your way up. Worked for me.

Tom

 

[kevekev]

Thanks for the replies guys -- I'll have to try these in the spring. Spraying water now will only result in ice...

I have a feeling it could be the starboard plexiglass window -- Hope so, that's an easy and relateively cheap fix.

 

[Peter Brennan]

Good luck with it. Don't know about other models but in the 37 the lighting wiring is sandwiched between the headliner and the coach roof. The lights leak and the water travels along the route of the hidden and inaccessible wiring (which is not tinned). No telling wherre the water originates. As for the musty smell, mold or soon will be. Scatter a couple of boxes of old fashioned moth balls throughout the boat. She will smell like fresh laundry and you'll keep the mold down not to mention other vermin. If you have power a low level heater really helps.

 

[kevekev]

Yeah, Im hoping its the window...

In regards to the musty smell I got that once the boat hit the water in the spring. A citris based cleaner, worked really well everywhere (even the bottom of the engine area to remove any diesel-ish smell - seems to breakdown any oil based substance very well). Also, repainted all of the bilge areas and any visible interior hull and storage areas after cleaning to keep any smells away. Good cost effective idea with the moth balls to keep it all away now though - thanks! No power for the heater but its so damn cold during the winter here any open moisture will freeze.... can't wait for spring...

 

[mfetzer]

Swiffer Wet Wipes are phenomenal for cleaning the mold!!

 

[tcwaltz]

I have noticed several leaks this winter that I did not have during the summer. So far I have isolated. Those to needing to replace my ports. So far I have replaced the one over the dink in the head (oday 28) with a beckon and it's no longer leaking. One thing I did do was to fill the void between the deck and liner with great stuff foam. Not only did it allow me to creat a channel to hold the silicone. But it also provided just enough fill to snug up the screws without pulling both sides together. I used beckons recommended barrel but installation method. No exposed screws on the outside