Water Leaks

[Jim S.]

I have recently noticed a water leak in my 1995 mklll.It shows at the port side bulkhead and ends up on the setee.The location is near the chain plate. I put caulking around the chain plate and it still leaks. Does anyone have this problem? Could it be from the window?

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Pressure Test

Hi Jim -Deck leaks can be a real headache, as they often manifest themselves someplace far from the source. If you have trouble sourcing freshwater leaks (and you are certain the water is not coming from the internal fresh water system), try pressure testing the inside of the boat. You'll need a roll of tape, a large shop-vac, cardboard, and a dry day. Start by makinga template of one of the hatch boards out of carboard. Then tape every exterior hatch, port, and locker - fill dorades with rags or anything to seal them. Cut a hole in the cardboard companionway hatch board you made and tape the vacuum hose (hose inserted in the exhaust side of the unit) into it once it's in place. Turn on the vacuum. Now spend some time on deck with a solution of water and soap, spreading the solution on (and in) any areas where you think water might be entering. If you see bubbles, you know you need to rebed or seal that area. The entire process shouldn't take more than 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the boat.Best of luck!Trevor

 

[Roger]

Almost the same spot

My '85 C30 has a leak on the port side entering in the upper cabinet in the head. It seems to be that the port stanchion next to the head was just a little loose. Since water can travel, check your stanchions.Roger

 

[Tom Wingo]

butyl tape

When you find the leak rebed the leaking part with butyl tape...that stuff is wonderful....and so easy to use...

 

[John Olson]

leak on grab rail

I had two leaks in the same spot I have a hatch about 6" from the rear of my mast I thought the hatch was leaking so I resealed it . Then I realized that there was ascrew that held the frount of the teak grab rail on and It was leaking one drip at atime only at night when It was cold. In day time It did not leak throw becouse It was warmer and I think the screw got tighter. when I fixed that there was still water comeing in .I think condensation was forming on the metal hatch and driping down between the caben top and the head liner and leaking out in the lockers on both sides of the boat this would leak weather it was raining or not all my leaks stoped when It got warmer . eather the calk warmed up andsealed the holes or It was codensation that stoped when the weather got warm . This year I covered the hole boat so I can stand on deck and do my spring boat projects It keeps the snow off and keeps things dry and warmer when I am working in early spring.Any way Iwill see this year about that leak If the boat is covered and it is still leaking It is not leaking throw the deck. J Olson