1997 250 Sundancer: Cabin Floor Alwys Wet

[Scuma]

I have a 1997 250 Sundancer and the bottom most level of the cabin (btwn the galley and head) for the past few seasons has constantly been damp. Last summer it seemed that the floor was more wet than usual which at the end of the season, was causing mildu in the cabin. I don't know if it was because of more rain or the heat causing the increase in condensation but I checked numerous possibilities as well as the guy where I keep my boat. Hosed down all windows, doors, etc.. Cheked everything to the point where the next thing we will have to do is rip up the rug and starting pulling the toilet out to see other possibilities. I can't imagine no one else hasn't had this issue with this boat and wondering what it could be before I drive myself crazy looking again this year. Would appareciate any feedback!

Thanks

 

[Clam Bake]

I have seen the carpet get damp in this area also. In my case I suspected it was coming from the fridge. I removed, inspected & reinstalled the refrigerator and the problem went away. I am connected to shore power so the refrigerator is always running. Maybe you could leave your fridge turned off for a week and see if the carpet dries up? Then you will have an indication if the fridge is the source of the water. I also realized that on days when I forgot to turn on the 12v power to the fridge when I left the dock that it would basically 'defrost' and leak water in that area also.

 

[Hampton]

Did you buy my boat? When my '97 250 was new, I had the same problem. I dried it out, then took a bucket of water and poured it into the shower pan and the water showed up on the cabin floor. I described the problem to the dealer, towed my boat in, left it with them for two weeks, and when I got it back, they put on the work order "Instructed customer on how to install shower curtain." STRIKE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a fitting on the bottom of the shower drain which has a hose and a clamp (if memory serves me well). The hose leads to the sump under the stairs in the cabin (lift up trash bucket and there it is). Check the side of the hose for water or signs of moisture. Fill the shower pan with water (let it run anyway) and see where the water goes.

Is the float switch actuating the sump pump before water runs out of the sump?
Are the wires leading in and out wet/mildewed?
Does the sump pump turn off too quick and leave water in the box which can slosh out where the wires lead in?
Are the clamps on the hose secure?
How about the waste hose? Wet? Clamps secure?

Did you buy my boat?

 

[mwph]

When I had my 250 surveyed the shower sump float was stuck because of trash & mildew build up. We freed it up on the spot but afterwards I flushed I cleaned the whole thing up. We don't use our shower but I keep an eye on it. I say give the whole thing the once over, then move to the fridge like clambake suggests.

 

[LmannyR]

I had this same issue since my purchase. I found out it was a combination of problems.
First, the drain in the shower was leaking (replaced, PITA). Second, the door wall has caulking to mate the fiberglass shower/head/sink was cracking and leaking at the floor seam. Re-caulked and resolved.

Now I need to get my sump to completely empty. My float doesn't turn on until half full and turns off at the same point.

 

[Hampton]

Need a new float switch. Lots of guys are changing out to the one at West Marine which is electronic - $40. Don't know if it'll fit in your sump.

Scuma,

Let it dry. Pour water into bottom of shower from bucket. Wait 1 hour. Come back to see if floor is wet. If so, you know where to begin. Sounds to me like the manufacturing of the shower stall is off and caulk doesn't quite make the gap.

 

[Scuma]

Appreciate all the replies. Sounds like many of you have had just as much fun as I am having. It's def not the fridge because I left that turned off and dried out for weeks and problem still persisted. Even with all windows closed, fridge off, and not using the galley or head sink/shower, the problem persists just with the boat sitting at the dock unused. I def will try dumping water into the shower first and seeing what happens. At least if thats not it, I can rule that out. If i get frustraded enough, you can come collect a free boat at the bottom of the Great South Bay because that's where it will be. haha

 

[gnealon]

Appreciate all the replies. Sounds like many of you have had just as much fun as I am having. It's def not the fridge because I left that turned off and dried out for weeks and problem still persisted. Even with all windows closed, fridge off, and not using the galley or head sink/shower, the problem persists just with the boat sitting at the dock unused. I def will try dumping water into the shower first and seeing what happens. At least if thats not it, I can rule that out. If i get frustraded enough, you can come collect a free boat at the bottom of the Great South Bay because that's where it will be. haha

Scuma, Can you give me GPS coordinates after you sink it?

Thanks.

 

[fropleyquark]

I had a similar problem and went through the same thing youre going through about a year ago. With mine, I finally found out that when it rained I had one of the ducts that chennels water into the bilge pouring water into the area around my fuel tank instead. Water would get in there then seep into the cabin. As soo as I redirected the duct problem solved.

 

[Scuma]

GNealon - I will post where it is on this and then it's first come first serve...it'll 1. at least be amusing to me to see the race for it and 2. Maybe I can then report it stolen

fropleyquark - Def could be a possibility. Will check that out. Thank you

 

[JohnEGraham]

Hey, I noticed it 1 time last year. Just hope it was the Refrigerator which I had replaced. Glad to see there are a few 250 Sundancers out there. Maybe we should start our own club. " The Not the 260 but atleast not a 240 Club" John G

 

[geriksen]

Usually this is the sump pump.
A/C condensation drains into it also and will make it overflow if it is not working.
The shower drain bucket test or an inspection of the pump should reveal your problem.