Seawater in under cockpit locker

[Tim Salkeld]

When I was out sailing last monday I had a great time but am left with one nagging worry.. The under cockpit locker was dry when I began the sail, but after 3 hours when I checked it there was a cup or two of saltwater collected at the door to the locker. Now to be real clear.. the locker I am talking about is the one that is accessed by the door under the cabin ladder. I have an outboard model, dinette built in about 74.Where can this water be coming in from? I do not think it is from the rear laserette but the only other option I can think of is the rudder tube. Any suggestions. I am hauling to do some bottom work /paint in 2 weeks so would like to have this sorted out by then in case it needs to be repaired on the hard.Tim(cdn)Windsurfer II

 

[Ron]

Seawater

Hi Tim,Sorry I can't help, but I can tell you that I had the exact same thing happen to my 77- 27 Cat. It never got over a cup or two at the worst of times and I didn't have the boat long enough to find out where it was coming from. I think your onto something with the rudder post idea. I fixed the problem by buying a 30 Cat. Lots of luck, if you see 'Seascape' around this summer, give us a call.Cheers, Ron

 

[Bill Hatter]

Leaking Locker

I understand that you have a 27 with an Outboard. Have you checked your motor mount. If the bolts holding your motor mount were not sealed, you could be getting water in there.

 

[John Eastin]

Bilge Pump?

You didn't mention if you use any kind of bilge pump...but....if you do and if your discharge hose runs through that locker(as it does on our Catalina 27, vintage 1972) perhaps you have a bad fitting or a pin hole? Not sure if this is applicable in your situation but thought it might be worth mentioning.John

 

[Randy]

Heeling will slosh water around

When you're sailing, heeling over will slosh water around so it winds up somewhere other than where it came in. The rudder post sounds like a possibility. Could it be rainwater collecting under one of the deck hatches, then dripping down when the boat rolls?Randy