Stopping Water Leaks

[Tommy K]

I have two water leaks on my 40. One in the v-berth and one in the rear bedroom. Both seem to be coming from somewhere along the joint between the deck and the hull. I've tried tightening the joint screws but haven't had any sucess. My questions are; what is the best way to figure out positively where the leaks are coming in (I don't have a moisture meter) and then what are the most effective methods of stopping them?

 

[Barry Olsen]

The Factory recommends .......

Using a leaf blower or shop vac that will blow positive pressure in your boat. Tape closed the dorade vents, make a cardboard or plastic hatch board with a hole in it and udct tape the blower in the hole. This will create a few pounds of positive pressure.Take a spray bottle of soapy water and spray the suspected leaks - toe rail, ports or any fitting or hole in the area. You'll see bubbles whhere the leak is, just like a leaky tire.It's suppose to work although I haven't tried it yet. Was told the factory uses a similiar method on new boats.Barry

 

[howard meyer]

good luck

the leak in our 89 Vision 32 was bringing water down the starboard side in the aft cabin, a lot of water.. it took us 2-1/2 years to find the leak.. Our traveler is held down with three bolts on each side, there is a cover plate that gave us access to this area- on one side there were only 2 bolts- the third bolt was never installed- just a HOLE there for the bolt. Been bone dry since we fixed this.