Tracing a topside leak

[Dan Schardein]

I have a steady leak coming in around the forward port side bulkhead just above the back corner of the v berth cabinet.Seems to be running down liner from elsewhere to that point and then down into the underseat storage area.Is this a common problem?Suggestions as to it's source/fix.

 

[David Foster]

Mast step, portlights, hatches

With our 20+ year old boats, any of these structures that penetrate the cabin roof could cause a leak. (Actually, the mast step means the holes for the electrical cables, and step hold-down bolts.)Because they usually also lead to rot of the balsa in the middle of the roof "sandwich" they need to be addressed. Secondary possibilities are the hand rail screws, and any added hardware mounted on the cabin roof.It is very difficult to find the leak from the point it appears, because the liner leaves a gap between it and the roof for water to move fore and aft before flowing into the cabin. At the point you mention, any of these three could be the cause. I suppose you could track down which it is by spraying the possible sources in turn with a hose while observing the site of the leak inside.DavidLady Lillie'77 h27(Just repaired the mast step, and replaced the forward hatch)

 

[Paul]

blow it up!

Don Casey describes a technique in his book on hull and deck repair. It's just like finding a leak in a tire.Dog every hatch (except one small one).Tape plastic tightly over the companionway. Close all of the thru-hulls.Insert a yard blower, shop-vac exhaust, or some other source of high-pressure air into the small hatch that you left open. Seal around it with plastic and tape.Soap down the top of the boat, and turn on the air. Walk around and look for bubbles. Get the tape off fast! Good Luck,Paulsv Escape Artisth336