While cleaning and drying the bilge area on the '85 H-34, we bought last year, I found that there is water seeping in past the screws that hold the bilge pump and switch (screwed to the base of the bilge), as well as through a 1" long hairline crack where the floor of the bilge meets the wall of the bilge, next to the bilge pump base. These are in the main bilge next to the aft dining seat, not near the keel bolts. The leakage rate is about 1 teaspoon per minute Has anyone experienced this problem? What was remedy? How serious, structurally integral, etc.? I've checked the archives and find only references to cracks near the keel bolts. this is not near keel bolts...
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Clyde Lichtenwalner
Weeping
I too was shocked to find water weeping through the same holes in my 83 H-34 some years ago. I would have panicked, except for the fact that she was on the hard for winter storage. If your problem is the same, this is probably trapped interior water seeping between the hull and the glued reinforcing grid to the lowest point in the boat. I really don't know what to do about the problem except to keep your boat as leak-free as possible and keep the bilge dry. With no leaks, the weeping will stop when all the trapped water has seeped through. This is not necessarily good in a place where it freezes, but I have had no damage that I can attibute to this trapped water. My advice is to keep the bilge bone dry if possible, and when laying her up for the winter, pour some antifreeze into the dry bilge. That way any trapped water in the area will not freeze.
I too was shocked to find water weeping through the same holes in my 83 H-34 some years ago. I would have panicked, except for the fact that she was on the hard for winter storage. If your problem is the same, this is probably trapped interior water seeping between the hull and the glued reinforcing grid to the lowest point in the boat. I really don't know what to do about the problem except to keep your boat as leak-free as possible and keep the bilge dry. With no leaks, the weeping will stop when all the trapped water has seeped through. This is not necessarily good in a place where it freezes, but I have had no damage that I can attibute to this trapped water. My advice is to keep the bilge bone dry if possible, and when laying her up for the winter, pour some antifreeze into the dry bilge. That way any trapped water in the area will not freeze.
Be sure that it is not from the grid.
Scott: Be sure that you are not getting water from the grid. Just as Clyde described, you may have water that is coming from the packing gland, icebox etc. If you can be sure that there is NO water coming in from these type of sources, then you will have a better idea on what to do. You should check your thru hull fittings to see if they are weeping too.
Scott: Be sure that you are not getting water from the grid. Just as Clyde described, you may have water that is coming from the packing gland, icebox etc. If you can be sure that there is NO water coming in from these type of sources, then you will have a better idea on what to do. You should check your thru hull fittings to see if they are weeping too.
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Scott
Bottom up leak
Thanks to both for your thoughts. The water seeping in is definitely coming up from the very base of the bilge (the bottom of the recessed area beneath the lift-out sole piece, next to the aft dinette seat). I've dried the entire bilge area with paper towel. No water is running down the walls of this cavity. What lies below this lowest surface (Anything between this structure and the iron keel?)? How thick is this portion of the hull? What is it made up of (any wood? or just fiberglass?)?
Thanks to both for your thoughts. The water seeping in is definitely coming up from the very base of the bilge (the bottom of the recessed area beneath the lift-out sole piece, next to the aft dinette seat). I've dried the entire bilge area with paper towel. No water is running down the walls of this cavity. What lies below this lowest surface (Anything between this structure and the iron keel?)? How thick is this portion of the hull? What is it made up of (any wood? or just fiberglass?)?
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John Miller
Pan to Hull Space
The seam between the hull and the pan on the forward end of the bilge weeps very slowly on my 85 Hunter 34. I had a fuel leak that overflowed the pan area beneath the engine. The fuel ran out the hole that was drilled by Hunter to run the DC feed to the panel. The fuel is slowly making it's way through the pan space and bleeding out the weep area into the bilge. I have not experienced any water flow from this same weep area, but if there is any water introduced into the hull / pan space I am sure I will experience water from this area. Any thoughts on enlarging the weep hole to assist the draining of the liquid.
The seam between the hull and the pan on the forward end of the bilge weeps very slowly on my 85 Hunter 34. I had a fuel leak that overflowed the pan area beneath the engine. The fuel ran out the hole that was drilled by Hunter to run the DC feed to the panel. The fuel is slowly making it's way through the pan space and bleeding out the weep area into the bilge. I have not experienced any water flow from this same weep area, but if there is any water introduced into the hull / pan space I am sure I will experience water from this area. Any thoughts on enlarging the weep hole to assist the draining of the liquid.
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Michel Sanscartier
Similar experience
I have the same problem on a H34 1984. There was water coming in from hatches and from the packing nut. Since that bilge area is small, it would fill enough to start the bilge pump every 17 minutes. After fixing these, the rate was greatly reduced but water was still coming up. Through the winter, I determined that there was a Hull to keel joint problem which is common on these boats. I carved out the joint an applies some 3M 5200 whcih helpded a lot (many articles on this site about this). I also filled the small holes in the bilge, sanded the cavity and glassed over. I think the fiberglass is thin there, and recessed within the steel keel ( as verified with a magnet when hauled out). I am not sure what the final answer is yet.... I am still working on it.
I have the same problem on a H34 1984. There was water coming in from hatches and from the packing nut. Since that bilge area is small, it would fill enough to start the bilge pump every 17 minutes. After fixing these, the rate was greatly reduced but water was still coming up. Through the winter, I determined that there was a Hull to keel joint problem which is common on these boats. I carved out the joint an applies some 3M 5200 whcih helpded a lot (many articles on this site about this). I also filled the small holes in the bilge, sanded the cavity and glassed over. I think the fiberglass is thin there, and recessed within the steel keel ( as verified with a magnet when hauled out). I am not sure what the final answer is yet.... I am still working on it.
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Scott
Space between base of bilge and hull?
These replies are very helpful! Thank you. My main remaining question: Is there a space between the hull and the base of the bilge where water can collect? Or is the base of the bilge also the structural hull and only the keel lies beneath? In essence, is the water seeping in from within the hull or is it seeping in from outside the hull?
These replies are very helpful! Thank you. My main remaining question: Is there a space between the hull and the base of the bilge where water can collect? Or is the base of the bilge also the structural hull and only the keel lies beneath? In essence, is the water seeping in from within the hull or is it seeping in from outside the hull?
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Clyde Lichtenwalner
Inside
I really don't know how it is happening, but I am sure that the water coming up through my bilge pump screw hole is coming from inside the boat. This is because I first noticed it when the boat was hauled and I was making alterations to the bilge pump system. The hold-down screw for the on-off switch was removed and water bubbled up through the hole. Obviously, there was no outside water (except percipitation) to leak in. Like you, I was concerned, but I could think of nothing practical to do to stop the situation. That was over 10 years ago, and I have had the bilge bone dry most of the time since. Unless you have a different problem, the bilge should stop weeping when all the water between the liner and the hull has dried out. I would not worry too much about it except in winter. I would be sure to add antifreeze to the bilge so that any water that enters (through leaks) does not freeze. I don't think water expanding in that area under the bilge is too good. That said, I have had water in the bilge area freeze with no discernable effects on the structure.
I really don't know how it is happening, but I am sure that the water coming up through my bilge pump screw hole is coming from inside the boat. This is because I first noticed it when the boat was hauled and I was making alterations to the bilge pump system. The hold-down screw for the on-off switch was removed and water bubbled up through the hole. Obviously, there was no outside water (except percipitation) to leak in. Like you, I was concerned, but I could think of nothing practical to do to stop the situation. That was over 10 years ago, and I have had the bilge bone dry most of the time since. Unless you have a different problem, the bilge should stop weeping when all the water between the liner and the hull has dried out. I would not worry too much about it except in winter. I would be sure to add antifreeze to the bilge so that any water that enters (through leaks) does not freeze. I don't think water expanding in that area under the bilge is too good. That said, I have had water in the bilge area freeze with no discernable effects on the structure.
No way to be sure.
Scott: I do not think that there is any way to be sure where the water is coming from. If you can be sure that you packing gland is not leaking you may be able to isolate the source. Other than that I am not sure that ANYONE can give you a definitive answer. You have a problem being you are in fresh water. How can you tell the difference of water leaking from the exterior and ice melting in the ice box?
Scott: I do not think that there is any way to be sure where the water is coming from. If you can be sure that you packing gland is not leaking you may be able to isolate the source. Other than that I am not sure that ANYONE can give you a definitive answer. You have a problem being you are in fresh water. How can you tell the difference of water leaking from the exterior and ice melting in the ice box?
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Scott
Bilge a murky issue
I just heard from Hunter that the base of the bilge is one with the hull...but the screws "can't be weeping outside water because they couldn't be long enough". The screws are about 1" long... If these things continue to weep when the boat is on the cradle, and the base of the bilge is the hull, I simply don't get it. Can fiberglass turn into a sponge?
I just heard from Hunter that the base of the bilge is one with the hull...but the screws "can't be weeping outside water because they couldn't be long enough". The screws are about 1" long... If these things continue to weep when the boat is on the cradle, and the base of the bilge is the hull, I simply don't get it. Can fiberglass turn into a sponge?
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Carl
Same here
I have an 86 Hunter 34 that had the same problem when I purchased it 2 years ago..While replacing the bilge float switch the holes that held it down spurted water once I pulled them out. Also had a crack in one of the corners in the bilge the was leaking also.. Applied 5200 to both areas which slowed the leak to a few drips in minute.. Well the real fix was to hit a rock of cohasset at 5 knots ,14,000.00 and 6 weeks later.. A professional pulling the hold interior out lowering the keel to redo the hull to keel joint,sand blast the keel and repaired any areas in question including the bilge and all the keel bolts since everything is now exposed and much more.. The boat is now in much better condition that when I purchased it. But it did cost me several thousand dollars out of pocket....
I have an 86 Hunter 34 that had the same problem when I purchased it 2 years ago..While replacing the bilge float switch the holes that held it down spurted water once I pulled them out. Also had a crack in one of the corners in the bilge the was leaking also.. Applied 5200 to both areas which slowed the leak to a few drips in minute.. Well the real fix was to hit a rock of cohasset at 5 knots ,14,000.00 and 6 weeks later.. A professional pulling the hold interior out lowering the keel to redo the hull to keel joint,sand blast the keel and repaired any areas in question including the bilge and all the keel bolts since everything is now exposed and much more.. The boat is now in much better condition that when I purchased it. But it did cost me several thousand dollars out of pocket....
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Ed Schenck
"One with the hull. ."
Scott, I would not take Hunter's statement too literally. I still think the bilge surface that you screw into is part of the liner. And that there are voids between the liner and the actual hull. I think Hunter means it is "supposed" to be "one with the hull" because it was glassed onto the hull. Could you use a bright food coloring and mix a bucket of water? Pour some around the stuffing box and some in the icebox. See if it comes out of those cracks or those screw holes. Might take a day or two.
Scott, I would not take Hunter's statement too literally. I still think the bilge surface that you screw into is part of the liner. And that there are voids between the liner and the actual hull. I think Hunter means it is "supposed" to be "one with the hull" because it was glassed onto the hull. Could you use a bright food coloring and mix a bucket of water? Pour some around the stuffing box and some in the icebox. See if it comes out of those cracks or those screw holes. Might take a day or two.
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John Miller
I am positive there is a void
When the diesel leak occured in the engine compartment and ran out the wiring hole. I had fuel seeping from the weep hole in the bilge in less than 15 minutes. I did not take out the switch or pump so cannot comment on anything comming up from below. I plan to open up the weep hole with a drill bit to make sure I get rid of all the fuel that was spilled. I plan to run the bit fore and aft in the one spot that is weeping about 1/2" deep to see if this will clear the spill. Attached is a drawing of the spot I am talking about. Any feedback on this plan?
When the diesel leak occured in the engine compartment and ran out the wiring hole. I had fuel seeping from the weep hole in the bilge in less than 15 minutes. I did not take out the switch or pump so cannot comment on anything comming up from below. I plan to open up the weep hole with a drill bit to make sure I get rid of all the fuel that was spilled. I plan to run the bit fore and aft in the one spot that is weeping about 1/2" deep to see if this will clear the spill. Attached is a drawing of the spot I am talking about. Any feedback on this plan?
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Ed Schenck
Link to "Ask a Hunter. . .
We need to get these two threads linked up somehow. See Related Link(to H34 Bilge..)
We need to get these two threads linked up somehow. See Related Link(to H34 Bilge..)
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Rusty
A possibility for the bilge weeping,,,
Scott,,, I just finished reconstucting the structural grid system on my '83 H34. On my boat, from the level of the keel bolts down to the bottom of the bilge it is solid. I ground the outside of the hull as well and the iron tabs on the keel are solid to the bottom,,,I think it may even be epoxy at that point. Having said that,,,it could be possible that there may be some fractures &/or voids(sloppy lay-up) in the solid mass that is allowing water to find its way to the bottom where your screw holes are. Because the drain-back system is the hull itself. The structural grid is glassed to the hull with tabbings. The problem is,,,the grid drain holes are higher than the hull and gets trapped between the grid and the hull and that cavity runs right up to the bilge where it is sort-of rounded-over. This is where it is a possibilty that fractures in the bilge mass could allow it to make it to the bottom of the bilge. You may be able to aleviate the problem by getting the water out of the hull, by grinding the drain holes to the same level as the hull and releiving the trapped water from finding its way to the bottom. I should have pix up on my website of the project soon, or feel free to email me if you have any questions, Rusty,,,
Scott,,, I just finished reconstucting the structural grid system on my '83 H34. On my boat, from the level of the keel bolts down to the bottom of the bilge it is solid. I ground the outside of the hull as well and the iron tabs on the keel are solid to the bottom,,,I think it may even be epoxy at that point. Having said that,,,it could be possible that there may be some fractures &/or voids(sloppy lay-up) in the solid mass that is allowing water to find its way to the bottom where your screw holes are. Because the drain-back system is the hull itself. The structural grid is glassed to the hull with tabbings. The problem is,,,the grid drain holes are higher than the hull and gets trapped between the grid and the hull and that cavity runs right up to the bilge where it is sort-of rounded-over. This is where it is a possibilty that fractures in the bilge mass could allow it to make it to the bottom of the bilge. You may be able to aleviate the problem by getting the water out of the hull, by grinding the drain holes to the same level as the hull and releiving the trapped water from finding its way to the bottom. I should have pix up on my website of the project soon, or feel free to email me if you have any questions, Rusty,,,
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Scott
Thanks for continued feedback
Rusty, Thanks for your information. I'd love to see the photos, and will share the ultimate outcome of my situation once known.
Rusty, Thanks for your information. I'd love to see the photos, and will share the ultimate outcome of my situation once known.
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John Miller
third time is a charm
Said my file was too big Guess what - abort the posting does not work
Said my file was too big Guess what - abort the posting does not work
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