Rainwater in front of mid cabin 1998 Sundancer 270 DA

[Adam-swf]

Hi, I noticed I had some water after a rain in an odd spot (red square in the below image). I wasn't able to identify where it came from. Has anyone else seen this problem?

 

[Lazy Daze]

There's a portlight above your electrical panel (if I'm remembering correctly)? I'd look at that, first. Then bow rail stanchions. Use a hose to imitate rain on various spots. Remove the MDP so you can get a better look at things.

 

[Adam-swf]

Thank you. There is a porthole above the AC panel although it is on the starboard side and this puddle was on the port side. However there is a porthole above the closet pictured. Forgive me but what is the MDP?

 

[Lazy Daze]

MDP = Main Distribution Panel (what you are referring to as AC panel). Sorry - I had thought that was your MDP in the picture, not a closet.

 

[wrvond]

In your detective work you need to get sight of the actual hull behind the galley and the convertible bench, etc.
Look inside of the cabinets, behind the stove and refrigerator as well as the bench seat and other items on that side.
When the portlights leak, the water runs down the side of the hull and collects at the lowest spot, usually right in front of the galley/head.
One way to help identify the source is to place tape around the perimeter of the portlights then go over it with a water hose. If the water gets in then you know it's the gasket around the window. If it stays dry, then remove the tape and try again. If water enters then the window is going to need to be rebedded.
Good luck.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Before you do too much tearing apart of the cabin, just have someone (on the inside) look at the portlight while someone sprays it with water. You might get lucky and the little dog legs simply need to be tightened up a tiny bit. The dog legs are the three, black "latches" that secure the actual window in the closed position. Tightening the dog legs makes them secure the window against the rubber a little tighter. Look at the dog legs and you'll see small set screws. It's also good to clean and protect the rubber a few times a year.

 

[Ozshadow]

In the cabinet there is a small vinyl panel at the top with two screws. Remove it and you can see the gel coat interior. Use a hose on the outside and watch to see where the water is trickling in. In that location you have a mid-ship cleat, a stanchion for the bow rail, the portlight and screw snaps for the mooring cover. Those snap screws often get loose and cause some dampness. If they pull out, they can cause a noticable leak.