Very odd leak

[SailShannon]

I've discovered a perplexing leak on my '89 Cat 22 wing keel. I found a fair amount of water in the storage compartment under the stb qtr berth. Using a hose I was able to determine its coming in through the coaming box. Here's the odd part - it's leaking from the forward, outboard corner; the highest point in the bottom of the box. Their are no cracks or holes at that point. It appears the PO had try to caulk the gap along the upper inside edge; but I don't see how that could have any effect as the water is never going to get that high in the box.
It seems on this boat water is able to flow uphill! I'm baffled. Anyone ever see anything like this? Appreciate any ideas.

 

[centerline]

Yes, water flows uphill on boats... you learn this quickly when you.own a boat.
If there is a hole, water WILL get inside, no matter how high or low, or how its designed.... ir where the hole is located....
Even dorade vents that are specifically designed to keep water out, are NOT waterproof....

 

[Displacesailor]

Catalina 22's have multiple liners and parts to finish off the interior of the cabin, these allow water to travel to other parts of the boat.
I had several leaks that showed up in strange places that I could not stop. The solution was to remove ALL Deck hardware and replace All bolts and chalk. The winches appeared to be well chalked but the wood under the them was wet. Water was leaking under the hand rails and a round the compass. I will not discuss the window problems with these boats.
But the hardest to find and fix was a leak in the starboard Jib track that caused a streak in the aft quarter only when the boat was in storage. When the boat was built a piece of fiberglass was placed over the last bolt on the track and the nut was not tightened. This leaked at the other end of the strip of fiberglass material. Maybe that was where someone put the fiberglass tape instead of using it to seal around the bottom of the winch pad that was open to the outside. Good Luck

 

[Pat]

Leaks are difficult...one would assume gravity rules, but I agree with all above, i.e.....if one of your tracks is leaking, the water will take the course of least resistance and may come visit you via the coaming compartment. Go below and have a friend hose off your boat and you look for leaks in all accessible and inaccessible places, both fore and aft....hatches too may provide an entry point and flow unnoticed for several feet, or actually, the length of the boat. Have your friend wear a bathing suit.
Pat

 

[Oc1paddler]

Another way that I've seen work well finding leaks is to seal all of your penetrations "like your dorade vent" with tape and plastic. Then attach a shop vac or leaf blower. Squirt the outside with soapy water and watch for bubbles. Just like checking an inner tube for leaks. You might be surprised at how many potential trouble spots you have.

 

[Jacktar]

try some gasoila water detection paste found at tractor supply , smear brown paste across areas you think water is flowing across or around possible sources, works better than chalk and turns bright green when water intersects it.

 

[SailShannon]

Thanks for all the ideas. Guess I'm going to have to do a bit more methodical investigation. Will share what I discover.