Water in the Bow - H260

[Ray Trombino]

I recently found some water in the bilge in front of the the water tank. It appeared to be seeping through the bulkhead forward of the tank. To test a theory, I drilled a small (1/4 inch) hole through the bulkhead, about midway up. I got about 6 gallons of water pouring through the hole. I then drilled two more holes at the bottom, and took out another 6 gallons of water. So now, I am installing a bilge pump in the forward bilge. I believe the water came in via the small hole used for the bolt to secure the anchor locker, but I'm not sure. My questions: Are there any other "sealed" places for water to hide? How does one access the area in front of this bulkhead without disassembling the boat? Has anyone else had this problem? (Check your trim - my boat was down at the bow by about 2-3 inches).

 

[Dave Condon]

Leak

Ray;I do remember you although the 260 came else where. suggest that you remove the front plate in the forward v berth to see where the water is coming in. Areas to look at are the hose fittings from the anchor well out to the side, bow pulpit bolt fittings. Get some one to spray hard at each item. This will give you a start.Crazy aDave Condon

 

[Ray Trombino]

Another Question

Dave,Could it be possible that my anchor line was blocking the drain in the anchor locker, and the water entered the hull through the hole used to secure the bolt on the anchor locker lid? There is no insert in that hole, so it goes straight into the hull.Ray TrombinoSand Dollar

 

[Dave Condon]

Responding

Ray;It could happen but again remove the fromt plate as I suggested to see what is happening. if blocking the drain or if the anchor is clogged, clear or clean it.Dave Condon

 

[Ray Trombino]

Found The Leak

Dave,Thanks. You were right on target. The potable water supply line is leaking like a sieve. Shame on Hunter for not having an opening through the bulkhead so one is aware of leaks in the forward bilge. Once I re-filled the water tank, I could see the leak through the panel I removed at the front of the v-berth. Also, the water was just pouring into the forward bilge through the holes I had drilled previously. The good news - the new bilge pump works great. I'll probably replace the supply hose with a heavy duty hose. I guess it wouldn't hurt to replace the overflow and the anchor locker drain at the same time, since I have everything torn up.Again, thanks for the help.Ray TrombinoSand Dollar