water leak 48 Sundancer 2008

[Benestee]

I just took delivery of a new 2008 Sundancer. I had some rough seas the last few days and have some problems. I need some help.
1. Water leak from the frwd strbd corner of windows. Any quick solutions.
2. The floor compartment that holds the bow thruster was wet. Is that normal?
3. My windlass stopped working when retrieving the anchor. The light went off on the switch. Where is the fuse or solenoid?

The boat was amazing in heavy seas. I spent two days on the water from Annapolis to Sag Harbor.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Rich122]

1-which of the "ports" is leaking..if from the forward head or shower may just be an latch adjustment as these open. If from the forward stateroom ports or the salon windows (all fixed) then you may have a seal problem, but on a 2008 that would be unlikely unless they were damaged during docking.

2-water in the forward bildge where the thuster is is not good. did you try to dry it up and watch for a leak. it may only be the water finding it's way from the above window leak or worse from the thruster tube..you need to dry it and watch where the water seeps in.

3-Windless breaker on the 48Da is in the stupid's spot. Down in ER forward bulkhead. Just bewhind the port engine you will see an light grey box. open over. It's a PITA as the cover is hindge up but only opens an inch or so and then you slide off the cover. Bigger PITA to put back on. Anyway the windlass breaker should the the 2nd from the left. it has a yellow lock on it. pull back lock push down then reset back up and lock in palce. FYI it will not look tripped but it is. NOTE if it keeps tripping then your windlass isn't shimmed correctly. Go on deck and you'll notice the windlass is flush with the deck on a slight down angle as is the deck. Now, look at the top of the windlass base and the bottom of the chain capsan. If the capsan is simmed correctly the space will be even, if not it puts a strain on the motor as the chain pulls on the top and blows the circut. to shim you will find the main bolts for the whindlass under the deck and you will see the capsan shim bolts you lossen them and add washers and retighten. Your Windlass manual on board will have the proper diagram to lead you along. Mine windlass was fine the first season then kept blowing during the second season, this was the fix and never tripped the breaker since.

Good luck
Rich

 

[Rich122]

oh WAIT...
DISCONNECT ALL POWER both shore and battery solenoids BEFORE you open that box. It is all HIGH VOLTAGE. The battery solenoids can be found on main distribution panel in salon or can be found on forward bulkhead in ER. make sure the green lights are not illuminated.

Rich

 

[Benestee]

Thanks Rich
1. The leak I have is from the forward strbd corner of the windshield. When I was running the boat in the rain and rough seas I think water is tracking from that corner to the helm. Water was dripping down at my feet below the manual fire extinguisher at the helm. I also had some water coming in from the master head port hole but i just tightened the screws. hopefully, will help

2. The water in the forward compartment where the bow thruster is hopefully isn't anything major. I noticed it when I pulled out some empty bags i stored in there and they where wet.

3. I noticed that box, but didn't want to open. I bet the windlass isn't mounted correctly.

I got a couple other questions if you don't mind.
1. The gear temp on my port engine is 20 degrees hotter than the starboard. Is that ok?
2. Is your holding tank surrounded by plywood? I noticed the macerator on top of the a plywood box.

Thanks again.
Mike

 

[Rich122]

I bet it's out of alignment. The breaker is high amp and shouldn't blow under normal use. (do not winch the boat forward just with the windlass, drift forward after a touch of gear then hit the windlass switch, and repeat) if it's off it will keep tripping the breaker even under no stress, just the weight of the anchor and chain will trip it.

My gear temps were only a degree or two off, never 20. Check the fluid level in the trannies. If the boat has no hours then the tranny fluid and filters need to be changed after the first 25hours then they're good for 500hrs.

My holding tank is aft and to the port side. It's not enclosed, that plywood is just a mounting platform for the pump. It will hold your weight when you need to lean in and change the vapor filter that runs along the top ledge of the transom. I don't have a lift platform so the aft end of my ER is uncluttered, you'll be amazed at the space the pumps and hydraulic lines take up on those things.

I see your an LI boater. I'll be out at Greenport 7/21-22/10 then off the montauk the rest of the weekend.

 

[Benestee]

I did move up on the anchor using the engines when lifting it. It must be out of alignment.
The boat has about 70 hours and the fluids were all changed before delivery.
I have a hydraulic lift and it is slightly congested back in the er.
How large is the holding tank? It seemed to go from empty to half tank very quickly.

I keep the boat at Cove West in Sag Harbor. It is the second marina under the bridge.
I won't be out during the week but maybe I will see you out in Montauk. Check out West Neck on the South side of shelter island. Great place to anchor and swim around. You can also have lunch at Sunset Beach on the west side of shelter. ten minutes from greenport. Restaurant is right on the water, but only anchoring there no docks.
Where do you keep your boat?
Thanks again for all the info.

 

[Rich122]

Potable water 110gals
Holding tank 60gals
Hot water 6 gals

When the water reads empty you at least 20 gals left.

I keep my boat in Stony Point NY on the Hudson. its a quick 20 minutes ride from the house but do most of my boating on the sound.

Enjoy the 48 it's a dream boat, you'll love it

 

[themorganjane]

I had the same problem as far as the leak. It actually ended up being the gaskets on the two electric vent windows not being installed properly. it would drip during a heavy rain or large seas and then make it's way around the curvature of the windshield until enough water would build up and then eventually drip on your foot. The holding tank is below your generator. If you shine a flashlight on it, while the engine room is dark and then let your eyes adjust, you can see the level of the holding tank. Another issue that came up as far as a water leak in the cabin was because the large nuts holding the windshield wiper shaft secure came loose and eventually began to let water leak inside the cabin ceiling.

 

[Benestee]

I was wondering where the holding tank was. I will take a look next time on the boat.
When the holding take first reaches half on the gauge on the electric panel, about how much is really in there?
I really think the leak is through the front strb corner. It seem that water pools in the corner outside of the window and then works its way through.

I really love the boat. Just want to get all the new boat kinks out and then I can really enjoy. The boat came with the aft drop curtains, which are great. Especially with the cool weather, it give an entire different living space. I need to get seat covers made for the aft bench and cover for the table.

 

[Benestee]

I usually store my boat at Petersons in Nyack( I work close by) and then bring it out to sag harbor for the summer.