1998 330DA Sundancer Rainwater leaks

[Mr. Richard Isaacs]

The battery box under the helm seat retains water and rotting wood. Drill to drain to engine bilge? Possibly am I missing an existing drain that is plugged.

Also, rainwater leaks into galley, dripping in between the galley portlight and bow rail mount just forward of the portlight. Viewed when open vinyl zipper access in the galley cabinet. Verified bow railing mounting bolts thru-hull are Not leaking, Nor is the portlight inner seal. Find no hull cracks or punctures on the exterior, leak is 7" back from bow rail mounting bolts. ( First thru-hull mount forward of galley portlight.)

Rotting the galley cabinets, so priority one.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Skybolt]

The railing mounts do leak and cause real issues. Also the rub rail mounting where the hull is joined with the super structure leaks as well. Don't be fooled by where you think the leak is and inspect each mounting point. Try using a hose and let run for a few minutes on each mount (railing) and inspect the rub rail through bolt holes. Remember, where you see the water on the inside doesn't mean that's where the leak is. Water will run along the structure until it finds a better path to drop into. Good luck, I just went through all of this myself.

 

[Saverio]

did you check the port holes. you can replace the screens and gaskets for them

 

[mrsrobinson]

I did not have a battery (you say battery box so I assumed a battery is in it) under the helm seat on my 95 330DA. Was it designed/built this way from the factory on yours?

Your drip could be from anywhere: windshield seals, porthole, railings, etc. Dry her up, and like @SKybolt said put a hose to her. I solved this problem by moving to a covered slip

 

[Skybolt]

I did not have a battery (you say battery box so I assumed a battery is in it) under the helm seat on my 95 330DA. Was it designed/built this way from the factory on yours? ...

Too your point, no Sea Ry has a battery under the helm seat, As far as I know. @Mr. Richard Isaacs - That had to be added by a previous owner.

 

[Creekwood]

Well the OP posted and ran, but...
Maybe he is talking about the batteries under the cockpit bench that is just behind the helm seat? That box is plywood, and I don't think drains to the bilge because of potential acid spills, although if it filled up with water it does splill over into the bilge.

A source for that water could be the cockpit heater unit. It is under the helm seat and if it leaks the water does flow into that battery box to some degree. So if it is a chronic leak that could rot the wood.

 

[Mr. Richard Isaacs]

did you check the port holes. you can replace the screens and gaskets for them

Yes dry on inside.

 

[Mr. Richard Isaacs]

Well the OP posted and ran, but...
Maybe he is talking about the batteries under the cockpit bench that is just behind the helm seat? That box is plywood, and I don't think drains to the bilge because of potential acid spills, although if it filled up with water it does splill over into the bilge.

A source for that water could be the cockpit heater unit. It is under the helm seat and if it leaks the water does flow into that battery box to some degree. So if it is a chronic leak that could rot the wood.

Yes, batteries are in box under cockpit bench directly behind helm seat. ok so no drain.

 

[Saverio]

Too your point, no Sea Ry has a battery under the helm seat, As far as I know. @Mr. Richard Isaacs - That had to be added by a previous owner.

the 330 has a battery box under the rear facing cockpit seats. from 95-99

 

[Saverio]

the only way your going to find it is what skybolt said. have someone outside spraying with a hose. it might take as few seconds

 

[mrsrobinson]

the 330 has a battery box under the rear facing cockpit seats. from 95-99

My 1995 330DA only had batteries in the engine compartment, port side, 4 of them if I recall correctly.