We were sailing in the North Chanel above Lake Huron in our 2001 H260, KONO's Dream. Our last day of sailing we were fighting heavy seas and motoring straight into the wind the entire day to return to our home port. We put the boat on the trailor late that night and pulled it back to Illinois. After retutning home we noticed water had filled both side storage compartments under the bench seats, and the bilge under the rear bunk. Looking at the side storage compartments under the bench seats, both port and starbord each containing several gallons of water, I am confused. These seem to be fairly self contained with few connections to other parts of the bilge. How did water get into these compartments and the bilge as well? Has anyone encoutered this problem before. This is the first time I have had water in any of these areas?
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Been there done that
Look under the table, lift the cover that covers the keel bolts. I will bet you a nickel that is where you water came from. Tighten the top of the bolt you see there and make sure that it is well calked. I filled this entire space with a number of tubes of 50 year silicone calk (lowes) and have dry bilges since. If I can help, give me a call 336.882.4724 John, Baums Rush
Look under the table, lift the cover that covers the keel bolts. I will bet you a nickel that is where you water came from. Tighten the top of the bolt you see there and make sure that it is well calked. I filled this entire space with a number of tubes of 50 year silicone calk (lowes) and have dry bilges since. If I can help, give me a call 336.882.4724 John, Baums Rush
Ken…
Hi, We also have a 2001 h260. While we’ve never experienced what you describe, we are obviously interested in the cause and fix. However, we’re a bit confused. When you’re talking about the “side storage compartments” are you referring to the storage under the cockpit seats? Thanks, Paul s/v The Lord Nelson
Hi, We also have a 2001 h260. While we’ve never experienced what you describe, we are obviously interested in the cause and fix. However, we’re a bit confused. When you’re talking about the “side storage compartments” are you referring to the storage under the cockpit seats? Thanks, Paul s/v The Lord Nelson
that is what I think they mean
When the water gets a little ruff, the water gets above the normal water line and splashes into the center board bolt space also the compression post fits into another pipe in the same c/b bolt space under the table. You need to make sure this gap is water tight. I use as stated before calk. The water migrates forward and then outboard to get everything wet in the port and stbd stowage lockers and if enough water migrates to get under the aft bunk. The bilge pump will take care of this water after the water reaches the depth necessary to float the inspection boards and really get the foam mattress a real good soaking, not my idea of a good time. please excuse the spelling. hope you understand. John, Baums Rush
When the water gets a little ruff, the water gets above the normal water line and splashes into the center board bolt space also the compression post fits into another pipe in the same c/b bolt space under the table. You need to make sure this gap is water tight. I use as stated before calk. The water migrates forward and then outboard to get everything wet in the port and stbd stowage lockers and if enough water migrates to get under the aft bunk. The bilge pump will take care of this water after the water reaches the depth necessary to float the inspection boards and really get the foam mattress a real good soaking, not my idea of a good time. please excuse the spelling. hope you understand. John, Baums Rush
Check your water ballast plug too
I would also check the plug in the water ballast tank under the stair. If the boat was heavily loaded or even just banging around a lot it's possible water was coming in there either through the vent plug or the top of the rod. It might only leak when the boat is heavy or banging around though.
I would also check the plug in the water ballast tank under the stair. If the boat was heavily loaded or even just banging around a lot it's possible water was coming in there either through the vent plug or the top of the rod. It might only leak when the boat is heavy or banging around though.
Compression Post Leak
As a former dealer for water ballast boats in '97, we experienced the same problem. The factory failed to fill the gap around the compression post with caulk, leading to water coming in when a heavily loaded boat was pushed through the water hard. In the early 260's there should also be a set screw to clamp the assembly in place. Fill the gap around the post with caulk, and reseal the lid into the recess with more caulk. That should solve the problem as noted by previous posts. Properly closed, the water ballast tank should not be an issue.
As a former dealer for water ballast boats in '97, we experienced the same problem. The factory failed to fill the gap around the compression post with caulk, leading to water coming in when a heavily loaded boat was pushed through the water hard. In the early 260's there should also be a set screw to clamp the assembly in place. Fill the gap around the post with caulk, and reseal the lid into the recess with more caulk. That should solve the problem as noted by previous posts. Properly closed, the water ballast tank should not be an issue.
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