Wet Bilge

[Manny]

After having a dry bilge all summer, now that the temperature has dropped, i've noticed I get rain water in the bilge. Also some leaks have developed around the boat from the toerails. Same thing happened last year. Anybody else experience the same thing? (I'm assuming the temperature dropping is causing contraction of the fiberglass opening up small crevices or maybe the sealants are hardening?)

 

[rsn48]

Sounds like ageing

Older boats on average leak way more than newer boats, sealants drying up, bolts loosening up and expanding the hole it is in, etc. I don't know what your weather pattern is like, but here during our monsoon season, heavier rains definitely result in a wetter boat for some - like me and my friends - owners of older boats.Here in the Pacific North West and Coastal BC, we just went through a record setting rain, left overs from a typhoon out of the Philipines, we got the rain and fortunately lesser winds. I went down to my boat to find water in the bilge and one spot in the lazerette by a leaking window. There wasn't that much water and it has spurred me on to rewire the new bilge pumps (3) I have added to the boat.

 

[bob G.]

Condensation

As the water temp cools you could be forming condesation on the hull interior.

 

[tom]

Fix the Leaks

I think that small leaks go unnoticed during the summer when the boat gets hot and drys things out. During the winter you have more rain and less sun. But I usually have a dry boat year round..unless there is a leak. Once the water is inside the boat you can get condensation. I made a hatch board that is vented to increase ventilation and sometimes use a 50 watt lightbulb to keep things dry.

 

[Manny]

I just need a hand

I've been wanting to reseal the toe rails. It's been difficult to find someone to help me for the few hours it would take. Unfortunately it's not a one person job. I figured some of the water is condensation. I've also noticed that the stuffing box seems to either drip or condensate a little now that it's colder (I don't run the inboard -transmission oil leak, and over the summer it was dry as a bone) but I don't want to overtighten the 'box just in case I need the inboard for an emergency. In any case it's not much water, not even enough for bilge pump to be able to pull. But It is just enough to get into the settees on a good heel!!!

 

[SweetTrade]

Thats the norm

for the stuffing box it should leak a drop or two every now and again, just annoying! But resetting the rails, if you tighten down some vise-grips on the top side or bottom you should be able to tighten/loosen them from the other end, thats what i do when i need to! Not as good but works mighty fine!-Jeff

 

[Manny]

Thanks SweetTrade

The vise grip idea is brilliant, it will at least let me seal up the problems areas.Thanks for all the responses!