Sprung a leak and not even in the water

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73mensailed

Due to heavy rains, I've discovered water in the port and starboard storage bins (not ice chest on port side). There is nothing in the bow compartment. Where in the space between the hull and liner would I look for the leak. Chainplate? All I can think of. Has anyone else had a similar problem? Thanks.
 
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Jerry

Leaky Tub

I tend to get water in those compartments too. When we first bought the boat in '98, I thought it was from where the dealer used a pressure washer to clean the boat. Later, I thought, "Condensation, yeh- that's it. Lots of condensation" After all the rain this winter in Alabama- it's most likely leaks around the life-line poles, or other deck ornaments. I just looked this past weekend- there was a bucketful.
 
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John DeFino

Leaky fittings - rub rail

I bought my 1990 Mac 26s a few weeks ago. When I got it home I found plenty of water in the bilge and the Laz. Looking around at various forums and posts I found that it is a common problem. Condensation being one, but deck fittings that need to be sealed, especially around the chain plates. I looked again at my boat, and in the Laz, sure enough, I could see where the water had been coming in around the chain plate. I'm sure it's the same for the shroud chain plates. Some other owners also wrote that it was important to put sealing around the upper portion of the rub rail as it was another area prone to leaks. Looking at my boat, it does not look like any of these areas have ever been sealed. I have it covered now but it looks like I have some work to do when the covers come off.
 
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Timm Miller

Found One

I found one under the piece that prevents the cabin top from lifting...on the starboard side there are two screws that you can't get to the back of, so they used screws.......they weren't gripping so I drilled them out and put in plastic screw thing (can't remember the name) and used some 5200 to keep it there......rebedded the piece and it draws up tight and seals well. Rebedding all deck components should be done about every 5 years anyway.
 
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Rick Tenan

Rub Rail My Culprit!

73 Men: I had a terrible time finding my drive way leak. She picked up water just parked on the trailer! I rebedded the stansions, cleats, bow and stern rails, chainplates... Every piece of deck hardware. Nothing stopped it! Then I got a wild hair idea. Caulk the rub rail. I sealed the top and bottom with GE Silicone Two. I used clear, so it would blend well. Not a drop of water in the bilge for over two years now. End of problem. I hope this helps. Rick s/v DevOcean Mac 26S
 
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73mensailed

Thank You Rick...

I think that may also be the problem. I went out to the boat today and closely examined the rub rail and found a few places suspect. Not a bad idea to do anyways, at least it seems to me. Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.
 
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Robert

Da jah vu....

Ohhh, the nightmares. Living in south texas, I also thought it was condensation. Nope. My leak was chainplates and assorted deck fittings. All but a very small leak remains, and my next sealing job will be the entire rubrail. By the way, I used silicone on the chain plates and will use it on the rubrail. I had small hidden holes covered by deck fittings etc. and sealed those with 4200. Good luck, Robert.
 
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Dale

Looking for a leak

I have a 26x and also have a leak that I think I finally found. Mine is at the fitting that drain the cockpit sole. A wild idea that may help you find the problem. Spray a little talk powder around all of your thru hull fittings. Next time it rains, or use a hose, the talk should run at the leak. I also replaced my rub rail last summer. No help. I used 3M 5400 available from West Marine. It did a nice job. It was once put on with silicone. Yuk! It lasted only 3 years and hard to clean off.
 
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73mensailed

still looking

Haven't been able to get back out to the boat this week. But it has been raining for 2 days now so I'm sure I'll find some water. I'm going to seal the chainplates, then baby powder the inside of the hull and see if I can locate exactly where it is. Otherwise, I've located some possible weak spots on the rub rail. Redoing the whole rub rail may be the best move. Especially looking down the road. If you all think of anything else, please jump in. All comments are appreciated. Thanks
 
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Bill Graham

You guessed it

When I got my 26S about 2 1/2 yrs ago I too noticed water in the storage compartments. I happened to be reading an article about that very same thing (can't remember from where)I applied a coat of clear marine silicon sealant on both sides of the chain plate, wipped away the excess and voila.. fixed., but I still keep an eye on it. The repair is so simple and quick that I don't consider it a big deal. I know that I might have to do it again from time to time, but what the hay... I love to pamper my boat anyway and it makes me feel good to work on her. Sorry no photo, wasn't prepared. Good sailing Bill Graham 26S "Ever After" Mayer, AZ mac26sailor@earthlink.net
 
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Bill Graham

You guessed it

When I got my 26S about 2 1/2 yrs ago I too noticed water in the storage compartments. I happened to be reading an article about that very same thing (can't remember from where)I applied a coat of clear marine silicon sealant on both sides of the chain plate, wipped away the excess and voila.. fixed., but I still keep an eye on it. The repair is so simple and quick that I don't consider it a big deal. I know that I might have to do it again from time to time, but what the hay... I love to pamper my boat anyway and it makes me feel good to work on her. Sorry no photo, wasn't prepared. Good sailing Bill Graham 26S "Ever After" Mayer, AZ mac26sailor@earthlink.net
 
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73mensailed

I store at Lake Pleasant....are you there often?

I usually am out 3 weekends a month. Maybe we can hook up out there. Love meeting other 26s owners. Thanks for the help. We've had a lot going on around our home lately so I haven't been out in 2 weeks. Now I know what an alchoholic goes through when they can't get a drink. I'm seeing pink elephants at the tiller and yellow aligators in the galley. Gosh I have to get out. Would like to have work finished before the summer gets here. Thank You and All The Best.
 
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