I have recently taken my Catalina 30 out of the water for winter storage. I have emptied my bilge and left the boat for a week. Upon my return I found the bilge had about 5 inches of water in it. All hatches are closed. We did have some rain during the week. Any ideas how the water got into the bilge? This is of concern as the batteries will be removed for the winter and electric bilge pump will not be working to ensure no water rises above the level of the bilge.
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Cockpit drains
Be sure to check your cockpit drain hoses, among other things. If the hoses are cracked or dried out, they could be allowing rain water to run into your bilge, instead of out through the bottom of the hull. I've recently replaced the drain hoses on my 84 C27--not a hard job, but it took 2-3 hours. Other sources could be leaking hatches, deck fittings that need to be rebedded, a leaking water tank, etc. Randy
Be sure to check your cockpit drain hoses, among other things. If the hoses are cracked or dried out, they could be allowing rain water to run into your bilge, instead of out through the bottom of the hull. I've recently replaced the drain hoses on my 84 C27--not a hard job, but it took 2-3 hours. Other sources could be leaking hatches, deck fittings that need to be rebedded, a leaking water tank, etc. Randy
This was my first season with my C30 TR. I am struggling finding and sealing the various leaks. Have you checked the anchor locker? The port and aft cockpit lockers may be suspect as well. I just built a frame and covered her this last weekend and sponged out the bilge.
Second that cockpit scupper
I second the suggestion to check the cockpit drains. In fact, I third it, too. And not just if you have a leak. That is one spot where a 'little' failure of a hose or hose clamp can sink you. Its worth checking. (I found mine so brittle that when I touched the scupper it disintegrated. And it looked and worked fine right up to that point. It was 30 years old, though
) 5" of water is a good amount after only a week. Many have talked of water ingress via the mast track, but it would take a lot of rain to fill the bilge that way. You could try running the hose up on deck and looking around for drips. I would also consider leaving a battery on the boat connected to the bilge pump.
I second the suggestion to check the cockpit drains. In fact, I third it, too. And not just if you have a leak. That is one spot where a 'little' failure of a hose or hose clamp can sink you. Its worth checking. (I found mine so brittle that when I touched the scupper it disintegrated. And it looked and worked fine right up to that point. It was 30 years old, though
) 5" of water is a good amount after only a week. Many have talked of water ingress via the mast track, but it would take a lot of rain to fill the bilge that way. You could try running the hose up on deck and looking around for drips. I would also consider leaving a battery on the boat connected to the bilge pump.Second that cockpit scupper
I second the suggestion to check the cockpit drains. In fact, I third it, too. And not just if you have a leak. That is one spot where a 'little' failure of a hose or hose clamp can sink you. Its worth checking. (I found mine so brittle that when I touched the scupper it disintegrated. And it looked and worked fine right up to that point. It was 30 years old, though) 5" of water is a good amount after only a week. Many have talked of water ingress via the mast track, but it would take a lot of rain to fill the bilge that way. You could try running the hose up on deck and looking around for drips. I would also consider leaving a battery on the boat connected to the bilge pump.
I second the suggestion to check the cockpit drains. In fact, I third it, too. And not just if you have a leak. That is one spot where a 'little' failure of a hose or hose clamp can sink you. Its worth checking. (I found mine so brittle that when I touched the scupper it disintegrated. And it looked and worked fine right up to that point. It was 30 years old, though
) 5" of water is a good amount after only a week. Many have talked of water ingress via the mast track, but it would take a lot of rain to fill the bilge that way. You could try running the hose up on deck and looking around for drips. I would also consider leaving a battery on the boat connected to the bilge pump.That's a lot of water in a week's time...
We found the biggest culprit was the poorly bedded steering pedestal. Those four huge bolts can leak a lot of water if not sealed properly!
We found the biggest culprit was the poorly bedded steering pedestal. Those four huge bolts can leak a lot of water if not sealed properly!
That's a lot of water in a week's time...
We found the biggest culprit was the poorly bedded steering pedestal. Those four huge bolts can leak a lot of water if not sealed properly!
We found the biggest culprit was the poorly bedded steering pedestal. Those four huge bolts can leak a lot of water if not sealed properly!
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