We've got a Hunter 44 DS that's been getting a bit of water in the bilge after these heavy rains in California. Any suggestions (or suspicions) regarding why, and how to remedy the issue? Thanks!
Rain getting inside
- Thread starter Duet Captain
- Start date
That to me is a lot of water. Gallons. I would bet on either the lazarette lockers or the anchor locker as a source of leaking rain water. You may be able to see evidence of the leakage running down to the bilge either under the engine bilge or forward where the forward shower sump resides. Seems if it were hatches or port lights you would see evidence of seepage. You did of course taste a drop to be sure it is not sea water? Do you leave your A/C running while you are away from the boat? Could be A/C condensation. We have never seen any seepage on our boat in 11 years.
Both great places to start. Had issues with the lazarette lockers filling before, but the overflow didn't fill the bilge (not that the bilge fills. It's about a gallon and a half per the wet vac I drained it with). Will check in the AM. No issues with AC given we haven't any (sailing in Norcal and northward doesn't really ask for AC).
Close up everything taping hatches and tape plastic over companionway. Small slit in plastic Insert leaf blower and tape plastic.
Have someone standby on deck with soapy water brushing every fitting rub rail and closed windows when leaf blower is on pressurizing cabin if bubbles are seen coming out is wher you will find leaks
Have someone standby on deck with soapy water brushing every fitting rub rail and closed windows when leaf blower is on pressurizing cabin if bubbles are seen coming out is wher you will find leaks
Thanks, Dave. Great idea. Will try this once the rains have abated (we're still expecting more weather this week).
I've been dealing with this as well up in Vallejo. So far I've rebedded a few stanchions, the cockpit floor and my main hatch frame. Those were a little time sensitive since they were causing leaks onto wooden cabinets and bulkheads. I'm still seeing some water in the bilge after it rains, though. I think it's coming in from the aft part of the boat somewhere, because I'm seeing water in the area forward of the engine pan.
I found that the gaskets under the water fill and waste removal deck plates had shrunk and let in water.
Look for any place screws going in and try narrow down where it is entering bilge maybe put paper toweling down.
Search for the tracks of the trickles. They're there somewhere. In the salon, anchor or aft lockers, below the portlights or hatches, someplace there will be traces of the infiltration.