That sinking feeling

[willstephens]

Hello Hunter owners!

I am / was the proud owner of a 1981 hunter 22 here in the UK, I launched 3 weeks ago and was really excited about the season, only to go out to the boat and find that after three weeks of being afloat it had filled up with about a foot of water.

Can anybody give me some advice as to where to start looking. The seacock seems fine, although I may repace it anyway. is there any other obviuos points that should be checked??

Thanks

 

[twodzusfittings]

Could be a host of things. Process of elimination would be in order here. I assume the boat is still in the water so check all through holes and any opening in the hull. After that look for stains and moisture which would come from water coming in. Could you have had a lot of rain lately? Are your window ports leaking, or any deck openings. A foot is a lot in the bottom of a boat and sounds like there is no bilge pump hooked to a battery. Needless to say its difficult to give a diagnosis from afar, but if you have the funds, send me a airplane ticket and some cab fare and I will come and have a look!!!!! Just kidding.

 

[Griffinroydonald]

The first thing I would do is put the boat back on the trailer and see where the water runs back out of. This may be a small leak that over time got out of hand. There are many places where this could be starting from.

 

[willstephens]

Thanks for your replies

I have pulled it out and had a look. The only suspicous thing is the cockpit drain thru-hull fitting at the stern under the transom did not seem water tight. I will replace this and then relaunch!

 

[Bill Jones12954]

I have heard that Hunter 22's have a tendancy to get clogged cockpit drains, water fills the cockpit then enters the cabin.

 

[inarathree]

First and this probably goes without saying... Get the water out!

Next there are only a couple places that much water can come in from.

1) there are the cockpit drains (two). the hoses go down to a tee, and then to a thru hull just below the water line mid ship stern.

2) the sink has a drain that has a thru hull under the starboard side cabin settee. The original is a brass gate valve, similar to a water spigot at the house... once they get rusted over, the gate will eventually fail. Replace with a true ball valve sea cock.

3) there are 4 bolts for the brackets that hold the swinging keel on. While the bolt holes arent that big, if left unchecked let a lot of water in. Even if one is not sealed completely will let in a foot of water in a couple weeks - I know!

4) Less likely, and the only leak left for me, are my portlights and forward hatch. though for a foot of water it would have to be a monsoon.

Let me know if you need any thing else. I have just about replaced everything on my H22.

 

[willstephens]

Thank you that is such useful advice.

I have decided to redo all three of those key areas you have mentioned then I know that they are done before I launch again.
The sun has finally come out here in the UK and I can't wait to use the boat, however, I suspect I will have heaps of questions for you as an experienced owner!!