Should vent openings (cowls) be covered during strong rains?

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J

JBurans

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Jun 1, 2010
27
Hunter 1983 Cherubini 37 Cutter Solomons, Md
Hi,
My 1983 Hunter 37c has two cowls above the ceiling in the area between the vanity and sink (on port side) and shower and head on the starboard side - we had a big rain a week ago and I noticed a bit of water on the floor next to the head - the wall separating the shower and the v berth was damp and some water in the sink of the vanity - I don't seem to have any leaking portlights or none that I've noticed thus far (acquired the boat last Jan) could this have been water that came into through the cowl vents and found its way into the boat? should these have covers to close them during bad storms heavy rain etc?
Thanks as always for your input,
Jim
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Re: Should vent openings (cowls) be covered during strong ra

You should not need a cover unless the dorade box is plugged. There is a small hole at the bottom rear corner. If that gets plugged the box can fill up and overflow into the cabin. Many of us have opened those boxes to find rotted plywood and the holes plugged. We clean that out and coat the inside with a liberal amount of heavy epoxy. Be certain to keep that hole open. I have never actually had water come in from there. I put new covers on my dorade boxes using plastic teak. Same with traveler base.
 

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shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
7,619
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
Re: Should vent openings (cowls) be covered during strong ra

I don't have them but have not noted on any boat with that I've seen that the owners cover them. I would think you would want the ventilation inside the boat.
 
M

Mathurin

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Sep 10, 2009
194
Hunter cutter 37 1981 St-lambert
Re: Should vent openings (cowls) be covered during strong ra

Do not cover, never had water coming in from there. Make sure you open them, you will find rot (goo) in there, I'm pretty sure. You should also look at your portlights, original ports are not so good (shitty is more appropriate). I replace the gasket on two of them and they still leak. I permanently sealed the one besides the nav station to keep water away from that area. Too bad NFM couldn't deliver new ports in Annapolis fast enough, I've been looking at them for years and the prices where just too good to be true (240$ the big ones, 200$ the small ones for full stainless ports), maybe next year.
 
M

Mathurin

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Sep 10, 2009
194
Hunter cutter 37 1981 St-lambert
Re: Should vent openings (cowls) be covered during strong ra

Ed, I love the plastic teak job on your deck, it looks very good and makes varnishing a thing of the past
 
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