Water in bulge during winter storeage

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James Taylor

During winter storage I'm having a problem with large amounts of water in the bulge of my C-30. When inspecting the boat in early Spring, I found water to the floor boards. I hand pumped it dry and then a few weeks later, again found water to the floor boards. Then last week again (you guessed it) water to the floor boards! We've had normal spring rain and I don't see water stains coming from hatches or windows. Any ideas where the water is leaking in from?
 
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LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina

I have a problem with my bulges too!

But I'm guessing you're talking about your bilge. :) Water doesn't have to enter through a window or hatch. There are literally hundreds of holes in your boat in the form of thru-deck fittings (stanchions, vents, sail track, mast wires, etc). Most importantly, have you checked all your thru-hulls? That should be your #1 priority when you have an unidentifiable leak. If they're all fine, how's your water tank & all its fittings? If there's less water than you remember in the tank, that's a good bet. If *that* isn't it, you've got your work cut out for you. You'll have to go around on the next rainy day checking every stinking hole in your boat! Good luck! LaDonna
 
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Harry

Check cockpit scupper drain hoses

On my C-30 they are cracked and leak water.... and if they leak, they leak alot. They are soon to be replaced - if yours leak, call catalina, and get the drawing for a retrofit that uses elbow connectors to get rid of the hose bends.... If you have a chance, clean the bilge dry and then get out a hose. Run the hose on the fordeck for about 30 minutes. Check for water. Now have a beer or two, and relax. Check for water again. Now run water down the side decks, but not in the cockpit. Repeat above procedure (i.e. beer, wait, check, beer, wait, check). Now do the cockpit. You will find the leak eventually. Harry P.S. Ladonna's right about the thru hulls.
 
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Keith

water in the bilge

I think that Harry has the problem nailed. The cockpit drain hoses have a bend in them to go out the transom. This bend goes down some then back up trapping water in them much like a sink trap in your kitchen sink. If it is cold where you store the boat, why else would you store it out of water, then the water can freeze and damage the hoses little by little till you have a good crack or hole and then every time it rains, it all drains into the bilge which would account for your large amount of water. A friend of mine who had a 88 30 had his replaced 2 years ago and he said his were so rotted that you could push your finger through them.
 
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Gene Foraker

Hi, James

I'll assume from your message that the boat is not in the water yet and that you did not have it covered this winter. If so, the freezing ice on deck could have opened a small opening almost anywhere. To check if a port is leaking, run a mark under it with kids sidewalk chalk. You will see if a small dribble runs through it. I don't think that model had any problems with the cockpit drains, they looked pretty foolproof to me. Since I have some previous experience with owning your boat, you might also look at the hatch boards. If a strong storm came from the aft, it would leak a little where the bottom board fits against the opening. The teak was a little worn and sloped in instead of out. You could sand it down to change the slope. Most winters I would get a few inches in the bilge, but nothing major. I kept a little antifreeze in the bilge to keep it from freezing. I suggest covering at least the cockpit and main cabin with a winter cover. The last 2 years my tarp wore out so I had it shrink wrapped. If you are really worried about the water getting too deep while on the cradle, you could open the engine or sink through hole and take off the hose. Water will get no deeper than that. Just remember to put the hose back on before launching. <G> Seriously though, you really don't want freezing water in the bilge putting pressure on the bilge pump and through holes or engine. If you have any specific questions on the boat, feel free to email me directly if you still have my address.
 
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Gordon S.

Cockpit Drain Hoses

By the quantity of water you describe, it is probably those drain hoses. We bought an ODay 28 in with that problem. A burst drain hose let enough rain/ice water in the bilge to fill well over the cabin sole. A big mess below as it mixed with some dirty bilge water in the sump. The irony is that if the previous owner had covered the boat completely during the winter storage, we would not have detected the problem until some nasty rough day at sea. You can bet I will be checking the hoses on my C27 before launch this year.
 
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Harry

James - do let us know....

When you find the leak - let us know where it was and how you found it.....
 
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jamie

water

Hi James I have a 30-1981 and found my leak was at the top of the rudder post(check the bushing) as the lazerett drains right here and its hard to believe the amount that can run down and in a short time. Its a easy fix just use some caulking and build a ridge so it cant run to the post and is directed down the outside(good luck)
 
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James Taylor

Thank you for all the responses!!

Thank you for all the great advise. Gene, I covered the cockpit/hatch area for the winter. When I took the boat last year the bilge was full of water. I really think the problem is with the cockpit drain lines. I'll let you know what I find. Thanks, JT Erie, PA
 
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