Since I live in California, rain isn't a big issue, but when I came back from a trip of 3 weeks, I was surprised to find about 1/2 in of water on the cabin floor. The bilge was dry. I took the plexiglas hatch cover apart and resealed the wood cross pieces. I noticed that the plexiglas has a small bow that tightening the screws only partially removed. I also noticed that the hatch cover absorbs water quickly and because of the depressed area over the plexiglass, pools water that eventually can work its way down into the cabin. What have others done to keep the H26 cabin dry from rain? One other question. What is the purpose of the inspection plate on the starboard side of the stairs. It seems to open to the top of the water ballast tank but serves no obvious purpose.
Rain leaks H26
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Leaks
Thanks George, I have gone though the list; but a couple of followups. Is Sunbrella water proof or water resistant? The plexiglas area of the hatch is lower than the rest of the hatch and the track forms a little dam that causes water to pool. Seems like whatever I use to cover it would have to be water proof. Or do I need to put something under the cover to raise this low area. 2nd question has to do with the deck plate just starboard of the stairs. It's about 6" in diameter. When I open it just below is the water ballast which comes almost flush to the opening. I can't figiure out why it is there, since access to the valve for the water ballast is located under the step just adjacent to it.
Thanks George, I have gone though the list; but a couple of followups. Is Sunbrella water proof or water resistant? The plexiglas area of the hatch is lower than the rest of the hatch and the track forms a little dam that causes water to pool. Seems like whatever I use to cover it would have to be water proof. Or do I need to put something under the cover to raise this low area. 2nd question has to do with the deck plate just starboard of the stairs. It's about 6" in diameter. When I open it just below is the water ballast which comes almost flush to the opening. I can't figiure out why it is there, since access to the valve for the water ballast is located under the step just adjacent to it.
G
George
H26 Hatch Leaks
Jim Seamans designed a hatch cover that attaches to the boom creating a sort of tent over the hatch. That way the rail will run off. Check the knowledgebase at this link: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?post=807 Sunbrella is waterproof. The original treatment should last for several years. Wash according to mfg instructions and retreat with 303 fabric guard. I don't know why the inspection hatch is there, I've never used it and can't imagine why I would. There are a number of other modifications to the H26/260 that may interest you in the knowledgebase. Go to: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?cat=3
Jim Seamans designed a hatch cover that attaches to the boom creating a sort of tent over the hatch. That way the rail will run off. Check the knowledgebase at this link: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?post=807 Sunbrella is waterproof. The original treatment should last for several years. Wash according to mfg instructions and retreat with 303 fabric guard. I don't know why the inspection hatch is there, I've never used it and can't imagine why I would. There are a number of other modifications to the H26/260 that may interest you in the knowledgebase. Go to: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?cat=3
A
alan
Inspection hatch/deck plate...
...where exactly is it, on the contol extention of the tank under the stairs, under the berth or on the sole? When opened do you see water or the top of the tank? I don't know if Hunter ever placed them but some owners did. If it opens to allow you access to the top of the tank, then you will be able to see and clean up any water that gets on it. the top of the tank actually seems to be the lowest part of the boat. If it opens into the tank (not a good idea IMHO) then it may have been installed to allow a pump to be placed in it. alan
...where exactly is it, on the contol extention of the tank under the stairs, under the berth or on the sole? When opened do you see water or the top of the tank? I don't know if Hunter ever placed them but some owners did. If it opens to allow you access to the top of the tank, then you will be able to see and clean up any water that gets on it. the top of the tank actually seems to be the lowest part of the boat. If it opens into the tank (not a good idea IMHO) then it may have been installed to allow a pump to be placed in it. alan
The inspection plate...
Opens onto, or just to the side of the water ballast tank. It serves no purpose except removing any water that has entered the area outside the tank (usually from slopping out the tank filler as indicated above). I sealed around the outside edge of the filler area under the step with silicone and that has helped a lot. I have the sunbrella cover over the companionway hatch – wouldn’t be without it. At least not in Oregon.
Opens onto, or just to the side of the water ballast tank. It serves no purpose except removing any water that has entered the area outside the tank (usually from slopping out the tank filler as indicated above). I sealed around the outside edge of the filler area under the step with silicone and that has helped a lot. I have the sunbrella cover over the companionway hatch – wouldn’t be without it. At least not in Oregon.
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George
H26/260 Inspection Plate
Here's one approach to inspecting or pumping your ballast tank: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?post=1027
Here's one approach to inspecting or pumping your ballast tank: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?post=1027
Good information
Thanks for the information. I do have a canvas cover, but do not believe that it is sunbrella. It soaks up water pretty fast. Before I buy another I think that I'll try waterproofing this one. Also, I think that I'll try shaping a piece of pvc or wood to run down the center of the plexiglas cover under the canvas cover with just enough height to create a little gable causing water to run off. A little different than Jim Seamen's, but might work. Seems to be no clear purpose for the inspection cover, since I can see the water level of the ballast tank from the fill hole. When looking into the inspection opening the tank is opaque.
Thanks for the information. I do have a canvas cover, but do not believe that it is sunbrella. It soaks up water pretty fast. Before I buy another I think that I'll try waterproofing this one. Also, I think that I'll try shaping a piece of pvc or wood to run down the center of the plexiglas cover under the canvas cover with just enough height to create a little gable causing water to run off. A little different than Jim Seamen's, but might work. Seems to be no clear purpose for the inspection cover, since I can see the water level of the ballast tank from the fill hole. When looking into the inspection opening the tank is opaque.
B
Bwana The Iguana
Waterproofing Sunbrella.
I read in a book full of sailing tips the other day that Sunbrella can be made perfectly waterproof again by simply spraying it with Thompsons Waterseal. The same stuff you use to treat your wooden decks at home. Haven't tried it yet, all legal disclaimers apply. ;-)
I read in a book full of sailing tips the other day that Sunbrella can be made perfectly waterproof again by simply spraying it with Thompsons Waterseal. The same stuff you use to treat your wooden decks at home. Haven't tried it yet, all legal disclaimers apply. ;-)
R
Ron M
Caulk the wood cross piece
The wood cross piece atop the sliding hatch is supposed to divert water to the sides and into the drainage channels on the cabin top. Apply caulk at the wood to plexiglass seam and in the plexiglass screw holes. Once you have the water properly diverted you can avoid most of the hatch related water entry. However, if the boat is in a slip and the wind and rain are blowing hard from astern, then water can blow in thru the gap below the sliding hatch and the companionway boards. As for the little inspection plate, I sometimes find a little water in there and use a Shop-Vac to dry it out. Ron M h26 Hydro-Therapy
The wood cross piece atop the sliding hatch is supposed to divert water to the sides and into the drainage channels on the cabin top. Apply caulk at the wood to plexiglass seam and in the plexiglass screw holes. Once you have the water properly diverted you can avoid most of the hatch related water entry. However, if the boat is in a slip and the wind and rain are blowing hard from astern, then water can blow in thru the gap below the sliding hatch and the companionway boards. As for the little inspection plate, I sometimes find a little water in there and use a Shop-Vac to dry it out. Ron M h26 Hydro-Therapy
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