Water in the bilge

Feb 17, 2023
3
Hunter 23 Aurora NC
I have an 87 Hunter 23 that I keep on a lift in Eastern NC. After Hurricane Ophelia I found that I had water in all three "bilge" areas in main cabin. I vacuumed at least 5 or 6 gallons of water out of these areas. I also noticed that the wood bulkhead under the v-berth was wet at the bottom along the floor. I inspected the access under the v-berth and it was dry. The water did not come in from above the floor. All cushions, bulkheads and ceiling are dry. This happened after one other storm. Where is the water coming from? I assume it is being blown in somewhere. Any ideas? I get no water intrusion while sailing.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,446
-na -NA Anywhere USA
I sent the poster a private message but will keep you posted what occurs. It is his choice if he wants me to talk with him
Dave
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,435
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
. I inspected the access under the v-berth and it was dry. The water did not come in from above the floor. All cushions, bulkheads and ceiling are dry.
if we start from the premise that water flows down, that indicates you may have overlooked something. A hose is your friend.
 
May 27, 2004
2,054
Hunter 30_74-83 Ponce Inlet FL
Three bilge compartments, no waiting? Hmmm.
If you add water to one of them, see if the water migrates to the others.
 
Apr 27, 2010
1,279
Hunter 23 Lake Wallenpaupack
I'd check if the hose that drains the anchor locker to the through hull has pulled off a fitting or has a crack. You may have to open the cover hatch at the front of the v berth if you have one. Was there water in the lazarette area under the cockpit?
 
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Jun 8, 2004
10,446
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Anchor locker hose
Cockpit drain
Shroud chain plates
Fore and aft chainplates
Forward hatch
Rub. Rail
Windows
Teak trim on slider hatch
Deck fittings
Outboard motor bracket which is attached to
a reverse transom
Etc.

Hosing the deck to look for leaks is labor intensive. Best to pressurize the cabin to find where air is escaping out.

Photo of your boat sitting on the lift please.

Do you have a cover for the companionway?

Your description left questions for me. You may very well have a 23 wing keel that may have come from my dealership due to location plus the amount of those boats I sold

Crazy Dave
 
Last edited:
Feb 17, 2023
3
Hunter 23 Aurora NC
Anchor locker hose
Cockpit drain
Shroud chain plates
Fore and aft chainplates
Forward hatch
Rub. Rail
Windows
Teak trim on slider hatch
Deck fittings
Outboard motor bracket which is attached to
a reverse transom
Etc.

Hosing the deck to look for leaks is labor intensive. Best to pressurize the cabin to find where air is escaping out.

Photo of your boat sitting on the lift please.

Do you have a cover for the companionway?

Your description left questions for me. You may very well have a 23 wing keel that may have come from my dealership due to location plus the amount of those boats I sold

Crazy Dave
No evidence of water from deck fittings, windows, chain plates etc, I do have a cover on companionway an no evidence of water getting in there. cockpit lazarette is dry. Need to check anchor locker hose, cockpit drain and outboard bracket. Thanks and will DM if still no luck after checking the items mentioned.
PXL_20230411_200119806.jpg
 

JBP-PA

.
Apr 29, 2022
620
Jeanneau Tonic 23 Erie, PA
Driving rain in a big storm can get into places that otherwise don't leak. It can get blown in under the companionway hatch and over the sill, up through louvered vents, solar fans, etc. You can try a hose from the side, but it doesn't have the force of driving wind behind it.
Before the next big storm, lay out paper towels everywhere or something that will indicate when it's wet. After the storm, go and check.
 
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May 27, 2004
2,054
Hunter 30_74-83 Ponce Inlet FL
Well, we are trying to help find the source of the leak. If you can isolate where the water
initially finds the bilge, you can more easily use JBP-PA's suggestions. Just a thought.
 
Jan 19, 2010
12,565
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
Hunters have a headliner. So water can get in from above and then travel along the headliner and leak out someplace else.
I’d also recommend a companionway cover

F76C360F-2845-4671-9648-EC3EDE8279B0.jpeg
 
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Jun 8, 2004
10,446
-na -NA Anywhere USA
@Kjstanc
Companionway cover needs something underneath it to prevent water from pooling on top of it.

The first thing I would suggest is to remove the forward triangular cover in the forward V berth to look for leaks with particular emphasis on the anchor hose for leaks and tightness of hose clamps. Secondly check the cockpit drain hose and fittings.

Look at the forward hatch to see if water is coming thru. There should be a gasket between the hatch and deck lid Possibility water could be pooling up and going in there. Thus the picture I asked you to take.

As for water migration, it can flow from underneath of the Forward panel in the v berth back to end of cabin. There should be a full fiberglass wall behind it which would prevent water under cockpit if memory serves me right

Dave