Taking on water or something else?

[E Thompson]

Our boat has been in on a trailer and unused for 4 years. A couple of weeks ago we decided to put her back in the water. Yesterday we had a shake-down. Winds were about 15, and she was heeled over pretty well. We had removed all the boards and cushions to let things air out (mildew) and could SEE water rushing into the storage compartments inside the cabin. When the boat is stable (level) there is no water. The rub rail is cracked...but no way this boat took on that much water throught the crack in the rail. Is this possibly rainwater that collected over an extended period of time? If so, how do we get the rest of it out? We do have a knotmeter installed, but she isn't leaking around the impellar area. Yes, after closer inspection, the bulkheads are rotten. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Joe]

H23 Water Problems

Check the archives, there is a checklist for the H23 possible water leak sources. When I bought my boat 1 1/2 years ago someone told me about the list. I ran thru it and have been dry since. (Of course I'll probably have a leak after saying this) I had a leak in my anchor locker and in the hose that drains the cockpit. Hope this helps.Joe

 

[Matt]

Likley old water

I have a 23.5, We get some heavy rain at times here (frog chokers) and I will get some water in the "bilge" that I have to sponge out while in some very uncomfortable possisions. On the trailer the water collects in the aft end under the boards. I suspect that if you spend some time looking you will find a pool of h2o under some of the boards in the back while trailered. You said "to let things air out (mildew) " that told me you may have lots of old water in there. 1st time I looked I had so much water I needed the shop-vac to make any headway. Luck!Matt