Where is the water coming from?

[Chris Jensen]

Just bought a '98 240. After sailing in a stiff breeze I noticed water in aft cabin under lockers. I thought maybe the water came from washing the boat with buckets of water. I tested that theory, and it was dry. I then thought maybe the water balast. The next time I sailed, I made sure plug and wing nut were secured properly on water balast. We got wet a second time. It is a mystery to me. Can anyone give me a clue as to where the water might be coming from?

 

[crazy dave]

check the archives but

Probably through the hull to deck joint in the transom. Remove the rub rail on the transom. I bet that is the source. If you need further info, leave your email address and I will get in touch with you.crazy Dave condon

 

[Michael Bell]

Archives

Chris,You might do a search in the archives on “leaking ballast tank” so something like that. There has been a lot of discussion on the topic in the past few months. One suggestion, I recall, was to put food coloring in the water ballast tank – sail it, then check the water that’s seeping into your boat to see if it’s colored.

 

[Chris Jensen]

e-mail address

CrazyThanks I would like more information. My e-mail address is chris@chrisjensen.net

 

[Frank Ladd]

Check the Potti screws

Ole Crazy had me check the porta potti screws on my 23.5 and sure enough some knuckle haed had used a screw that was too long. I sealed it with 5200 and put the screws all back in there holes. so far so good. I'll bet it could happen on a 240 too.

 

[alan]

Short summary of water where it don't belong.

Standing water on top of the ballast tank will wind up all over the place when heeling. Gets there via leaking at keel, putting the boat in the water with vent plug removed, leaving the hatch partly open during the winter ect. Leaking sinks or drains. Don't have to use them, water rammed up the drain while beating will be enough. Leaking hull-deck joint. Control valves for, or ballast tank itself. As noted consider that some knuckle-head drilled into it. Leaking deck fittings may leak unnoticed untill it ends up in the bilge or sole. That requires detective work as leak can be remote. Water rammed into the bilge drain hose when beating. Sure I missed a few. Oh, check with the previous owner. Good luck! alan

 

[crazy dave]

Chris Jenson

I tried emailing you but it did not go through. Call Gregg Emerson at Hunter for my phone number. He monitors the forum and will give out my number if I ask him to do so. He respects my anominity. I will be in on Tuesday.crazy dave condon