Stanchion Water Tanks Vents -Hunter

[Ed M.]

Can anyone suggest how to check the connection between the water tank vent hose and the stanchion vents? I have a Hunter 460. I am suspecting that one or both could be disconnected based on getting fresh water in the bilge after a water fill up.
Thanks

 

[ggrizzard]

Er, I don't know your model boat, so what is a "stanchion vent"?
On my older Hunter I learned over time the motion of the boat, refilling pressure from city water systems and temp fluctuations and or broken or missing hose clamps can cause the hoses to slip off fittings. Also, depending where your hoses run, gear stowed hastily nearby can cut or crimp the hose or age can cause cracks. It wouldn't take much of either scenario to let water into a locker or the cabin.
As for checking, you have to start somewhere, so go to the tank end and follow the hose while you put water into the fill neck. Or start at the deck fill and go the other way. If it's leaking you'll find evidence quickly.
If not, check nearby feed lines to faucets and shower heads.
Remember, water runs, drips and can go uphill!
While you at it, change the old hose clamps. They don't last forever.
Best of luck.
G.

 

[Sailgunner]

Both of my vents were not only disconnected but the transition fitting from the hose to the vent pipe was a make shift hose within a hose. This could only have been done at the factory. On my boat I had to take the cabinets off the wall to gain access.

 

[JamesG161]

Can anyone suggest how to check the connection between the water tank vent hose and the stanchion vents?

On my Hunter 430, the smaller tank has a stanchion or grab bar as a vent to the weather deck. I noted a small drip down the outside of that cleaver designed grab bar/vent combination.
After finding that air vent under the deck cover over the control lines form the mast, I had to recaulk and make sure that the rain/waves over that deck section was clean and drained overboard.
I have been in Private Messages with another 460 owner and found our boats were almost identical in outfitting.
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

I am suspecting that one or both could be disconnected based on getting fresh water in the bilge after a water fill up.

I replaced my 14 year old, water logged Wema Tank float level sensor for a new Wema one ($50).
You can buy a Salt water test strip from a swimming pool supply store to verify it is fresh water.

I had a major water leak when I overfilled my large Polyethylene water tank the first time. That tank was located under my dining table and a royal pain to get access. The top edge had separated at the weld joint from the previous owner (PO) overfilling it. They knew it and didn't disclose it.

I ground out the grove at the weld area, and resealed it with 5200. No more leaks!

Tip: If you ever take the deck up over that tank, make sure the tank is lower than 50% level. The Poly tank needs to have the deck down to constrain and support the tank from bulging. As I refilled to test my repair the top of the tank ballooned up and I had to drain tank partially to get the deck back in place.

Last note..
I would doubt that the vent line would leak much water if you don't observe an overflow overboard from the vent. At least one of my vents are higher in elevation than the deck fill cap.
Jim...