two water leaks

[Bob 04 H260]

We have been having huge rain falls here this week. I just noticed I have two small water leaks in the cabin that I never noticed before. They are symmetrical one on each side just at the bottom of the v-berth curtains. It looks like it must be coming in through the two stanchions. How are they taken off to rebed them ? Are the nuts captive ? Has anyone else had this problem with their 260 ?
thanks

 

[George H260]

This is a new one. Are you sure the water is not coming from the forward windows? If the leaks are really small maybe the source is condensation.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

it could be from the window but I would have expected it to drip from the top or bottom of the window. That would get the v-berth mattress wet but it is fine. The gray fuzzy wall covering is wet behind each curtain but only about the bottom two inches. This is right behind the two stanchions so I'm wondering if they are causing the problem.

 

[MikeH]

Check the ceiling too Bob, possibly by sticking post-it notes to it to soak up water and leave a trail. I've never heard of stanchions leaking, so I'm thinking more along George's lines - condensation...

 

[Bob 04 H260]

condensation

if the two front windows leak could it travel between the deck and liner and come out at the bottom of the curtain ? if so then it is a good chance they are leaking.
I think it is too much to be just condensation, if it were condensation I would also have some water on the other two ports as well,

 

[George H260]

Re: condensation

"if the two front windows leak could it travel between the deck and liner and come out at the bottom of the curtain ?"

That would be my first guess. Condensation is less likely.

 

[Bobbi Ullinger]

What are the chances that 2 stanchions or 2 windows would both start leaking at the same time? I think I would look for a single source up above, closer to the centerline. Perhaps around the mast base plate or where either the radio antenna cable or masthead light connector pass through the deck. If there were a leak there, the water could be running to either side between the overhead and the deck, exiting into the cabin on either side of the boat.

Just a thought.

 

[George H260]

Yes, good comment from Rob. A common leak is at the top of the compression pole. Water usually runs between the liner and shows up in the dome light but it may be also going forward and coming out the bottom of the liner near the curtains. I'd look in the Dome light for moisture. Put some tissue in the dome and spray water at the base of the mast to see where it comes out.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

thanks

I'll have to keep an eye on it and try to figure out where it is coming in, I'll let you know when I get it figured out