Wet Sole at Bow

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C

Charlie

I have a 1985 Hunter 34 and it has a moist sole at the bow, i.e., forward of the head. I have fans and a dehumidifier constantly running. Any suggestions?
 
P

Paul Hart

Wet Bow.

Noticed the same problem when I bought my H34 in 1997 and put it down to a leaky hatch. After the fall pull out, I removed the bow sole to dry, strip and re-varnish during the winter. The boat was then relaunched in the spring before I had screwed the sole back into place. That was when the real cause of the wet sole became known. The boat yard called me urgently as they found that the two front screw holes had been drilled right through the hull bottom and water was squirting through the holes like a fountain. Water had been leaking slowly by the screws making the sole wet. The boat yard re-pulled the boat, ground out the holes and filled them with epoxy. Later I carefully fitted new short screws and have had a dry bow sole ever since. No idea who drilled the offending holes.
 
S

Scott Johnston

Several Possibles

Could be one of many leaks. Possible spots to check are: - Hatch. - Wiring for running lights on bow. - Screw holes for anchor locker hinges and clasp. - Toe rail. - Anchor locker drain. - Anchor locker cleat. - Bow cleats. Try removing everything from the v-berth, removing the storage hatch covers etc. Then dust some talcum powder and hang around with a flashlight while someone poars water over the suspect spots one at a time. It's a tedious process but eventually the leak will be uncovered. Over the summer I thought I had one in the cockpit becuase moisture was leaking down from the steering gear cover into the aft berth. I was totally perplexed. Just couldn't find it. Turned out to be condensation from leaving a soft bag cooler filled with Ice in the aft locker. Duh! Good luck on your leak discovery and please let us know where you find it. Scott 83-H34 Island Hops
 
Aug 11, 2006
1,446
Hunter H260 Traverse City
Check forward bulkheads of the head.

The caulk on the bulkheads could be old and shower water could be getting into the v-berth area. Or the water could be getting in when you pull the transducers and if the weep holes are plugged it could stay wet. Good Luck. George
 
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