Check out these leaks...pics

[Craigalan]

So, on the great lakes we have had about 2 weeks of solid rain. Today, I noticed these two leaks...(starboard side headboard in front cabin, and at bottom of stairs.) In my investigation, I noticed my horn (which is located foredeck starboard side) sounds muffled, perhaps waterlogged, and the protective screen is almost completely gone, providing a nice entry point for rain. Seeing the pics, might this be the culprit for these leak spots?

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[Craigalan]

Whoops.... 2000 270DA


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[Gofirstclass]

Y'all need to move out to the SE corner of Washington State. We live in a desert and get about 8" of rain a year. That'll fix your problems.

 

[mwph]

Just an opinion but... That looks like a lot of water to have entered through the horn cover.

Dry it up, cover the horn thoroughly with tape, flood the area with a hose & see what you get. I'm going to bet rail stanchions, starboard side port windows or, hopefully not.... the base of the windshield.

 

[Craigalan]

Yep...my mechanic saw the pics and immediately said Stanchion. He recommended a total reseal on all the bases for a boat our age. I have no experience in this and may have to hire it out.

 

[mwph]

If you have the time you may be selling yourself short. The job has been discussed lots here on CSR so a search may give you enough insight to tackle it. Again, time AND a dry place to do it may be an issue.

 

[Craigalan]

Also...during the past 2 weeks of rain, we had the mooring cover on fully buttoned up. Would this likely rule out the leak being at base of windshield, thus further pointing to Stanchion?


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[mwph]

Indeed it would. To me anyway. Especially if you cover has ANY water repelant qualities left in/on it.

 

[Craigalan]

Well, I assume it does. After a rain there is Zero water in cockpit.

 

[Bob & Sue]

You need to find the leak first, doubtful it came in thru the horn there is usually a drain near the horn they all take on water and get the muffed sound $25 fix. Get the boat as dry as you can, have someone spray the boat with a hose till you find where water is entering especially near any portlights. You could re-bed all the stanchions it's an easy fix, you'll just need to find where all the bolts are inside some can be difficult to find and get to.

Edit: After looking at the pics again there is a drain in your anchor locker that the horn would drain thru. Open up the inside door and check the anchor locker it would be soaked in there if rain is coming thru the horn, drain may be plugged actually 2 one on each side of the boat.

 

[Craigalan]

Bob & Sue. Thanks for the reply. I did not see any evidence of pooling water when inspecting the anchor from the hatch on top deck. Is there a way to access the anchor locker from inside the cabin? Is this your suggestion?


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[Craigalan]

Whoa...new development. Notice the picture with the water stain on the starboard v-berth back rest cushion. Well, to a much smaller extent, we just noticed some water in same place on port side. Most is on starboard side, with a small amount now found on port. Does this give anyone further clues?


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[Bob & Sue]

There should be a mirror forward of the V berth mine opens left to right, pull on one side it should open up to the anchor locker. Mine also has factory carpet running into it that gets wet in heavy rain.

I would do the hose test to see where the water is coming from.

 

[Craigalan]

Oh wow. Didnt realize the mirror opened up. Headed to boat later today. I will definitely try that. So far, I am looking at these possibilities for the leak...Stanchions, Anchor Locker, Rub Rail, Windlass Hardware. I imagine it will be difficult to pinpoint one of those as the source.

 

[Bob & Sue]

Start with the portlights first it could be just the gaskets leaking.

Get the carpet runners off the carpet first thing, you need to dry everything out maybe even rent a commercial carpet drier for a day, you don't want mold in there.

 

[Craigalan]

Yes, a commercial drier is already part of the plan. I will check all the windows first. If it is a window gasket, wouldn't I see evidence of a water leak trail running down the inside of cabin walls below the window?

 

[Bob & Sue]

Maybe if the gasket is leaking from the inner portion it could be running down behind the carpet, or they may need to be re-bedded. Mine had a leak in a portlight that I had to run water on it for about 2 minutes before finding it.
Here's a diagram of the gasket assembly.

 

[Craigalan]

Ok, thanks. I am seeing zero evidence of a water trail to the visible eye. So, whatever it is, it must be behind the scenes.

 

[Craigalan]

Potentially Solved!! So, I was able to recreate the leaks using the hose. See pics. Source appears to be a small gap in the bow rail. Water pools by stanchion base run off, then creeps into the gap. What do you guys think? And, if this seems plausible, can you offer any experience on how to seal it?

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[Big Island Lifer]

Run a bead of caulk- life caulk, 4200 or something UV safe of your choosing around the top of the joint for the whole boat.


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