Water leak in aft compartment

[Alan Claunch]

I just discovered water in my aft berth under the aft board. There is a "well" with a plate and bolts presumably attached to the shaft strut. There was about 1 gallon of water in there after being in the water about 5 weeks. No problems last year, hauled for the winter, etc.; this was discovered on my first day out sailing when I heeled over and noticed water on the cabin sole. I tightened the nuts on the bolts and am planning on sealing the plate in place with either silicone or M5200. Any other thoughts? Do I need to haul the boat now if sealing stops the leak? If the strut shaft is loose have I damaged my shaft? Thanks Alan

 

[Scott]

Fresh or salt water?

I had the same problem. My Hunter 31 is on salt water, so when the water looked very clear I performed a taste test and found the water was fresh not salt. That led me to the nearby water tank which is located under these cushions, and the leak around the tank's inspection port under the cushions. It only leaked when heeled.

 

[Jeff]

cockpit scuppers.

Have you checked your cockpit drain hoses?

 

[schaefer]

snow or rain

have often found water in that well after leaving that "protected hatch open"..i'll bet you it is fresh water

 

[Jeff]

Exhaust

I had water collecting under the aft berth and discovered a small crack in the exhaust hose on the port side just above the exhaust pipe, which leaked while the engine was running. This must have been a long standing problem since the previous owner had placed plastic under the cushion. The water migrated over to the berth when the boat was heeling.Look for water between the aft bulkhead and the transom by lifting out the container on the port rear seat while using a flashlight. If you see water pooled there, then this may be the source. Also the water will have a diesel smell to it.Hopefully this will help you.My fix was to splice a new piece of exhaust hose to the exhaust exit pipe just above the water heater. You can find fiberglass exhaust pipe in the West Marine catalogue ffor the splice.I used car exhaaust pipe since I am in fresh water.Good luck

 

[Jeff]

Whoops!

I meeant starboard and not port in my previous reply.

 

[Ray Pollard]

Water

I found my leak was in the small hatch. i removed it and rebedded it with 5200. Have had no more water so far. Stay tuned. If water can get in, it will find a way!