Water Leak Aft Bilge Under Bed

[Captain Jim]

I just recently noticed water in the bilge around where the 2 batteries are stored and secured underneath the ladder from the cockpit to the cabin. I cleaned the water out of the bilge wth paper towels and spunge. I found the leak in the far aft of the bilge under the bed. The water was seeping out of the fiber glass on the longtitudnal center line and 22.5 inches from the aft bulkhead. The area where the water is seeping out seams to be about a 4 inch by 5 inch area. The currnt seepage rate is about 8 oz. in 24 hours. Is this leak from the water ballast or from the outside of the boat? Your comments are appreciated and will be helpful. How much concern should I have over this issue. I keep "BOLD VENTURE" in the water at her slip for the entire boating season in fresh water. What would the best approach be to making repairs and if I delayed repairs to the off season are there any risks envolved? Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Fair winds,
Jim
2006

[dca81]

Wow,
I have water accumulate at exactly the same location (under the batteries) since I have had the boat (2 years). I never could trace to the source of the water but always assumed it was on the topside since I slip my boat and only get water accumulation when it rains. I have checked several areas for leaks and put silicon sealant around most the of my topside items. Also do not see any water marks on the cabin side walls. Based on all this I ass-u-med the water was from the tie rod connecting to the steering. It has a rubber boot but is not sealed against the fiberglass, sort of thought water may run in on the rod and drip into hull interior. I will check the area you identified as the leak when I go back to the boat this weekend, but I check my ballast level periodically and do not seem to be losing any water. Also, my boat has been bottom coated and there were no scratches or cracks on the bottom of the hull has when I applied the bottom coat and paint.

[Crikey]

Jim,

by aft bulkhead I assume you mean transom, and I also assume you mean you keep the boat moored with the water ballast full? It's a very often discussed subject (as I'm sure you're aware) on this board and your case seems to be unique in the sense that you've found a source that can be readily visualized. Can you send a picture?
I don't think it will give you any problems beyond this seasons sailing if you apply an overcoat of cloth and resin to this spot, after the boat is pulled and everything is thoroughly dried out, including the bilge interior.
It sounds like a factory glassing shortfall but if you are not the original owner I would still take the trouble to inspect outside the hull, in this area, for any cracks or evidence of an impact.

Ross

[Scottie]

Mine seems to leak from the pedestal hole on the inner liner and water runs down the cables/wires. It drips off the cables towards the back of the boat at a couple of different locations. The water then runs down to the area just aft of the batteries. The boat is in my yard so I know it is coming from the top side.

I am not sure how the water makes its way from the outside of the boat to the inside. I have caulked around the base of the pedestal and I cover the pedestal when it is in my yard. I guess it could be coming in from anywhere above the inside liner and then running down to the pedestal cable hole on the inside liner.

I have the boat under a tarp for most of the year so it not a big issue however it would be nice to have the boat leak free.

[dca81]

Captain Jim, well I looked at the bilge under the batteries this weekend and everything was perfectly dry. We did not get any significant rain during the last week and my ballast tank is still full. Also, did not see see any moisture or seepage under the rear bunk. So, I feel pretty certain its a topside leak contributing the occasional water in my bilge. Have you been able to determine the water source and fix for your seepage?
Bob

[Dennis]

I used to have a similar problem with my until I corrected the following. At the aft of the boat where the engine control cables/pushrod exit are 2 holes. On my boat one was covered with a rubber boot. The other had no cover. Regarding the one with the boot, I removed the boot, used 5200 adhesive and refastened the boot. Then I got some foam like you find in lawn tractor prefilters. Soaked it with oil and squeezed out all the excess and, from inside the boat, filled the boot with the foam. Rubber or latex gloves come in handy. Then I went to the cheapest auto supply store I could find and got a constant velocity joint boot. Then cut it to size to fit over the engine push rod tube and using 5200 and several SS screws fastened it in place. I did that last fall and have had no further water problems.

Dennis

[Captain Jim]

Thanks everyone for your responses. The water seepage is as described above. Yes , it is on the longtitudinal centerline and 22.5 inches from the transom. Does anyone know if this seepage would be from the water ballast or from the hull in this area?

Fair winds,
Jim

[Québec 1]

I also had water at the same spot last week but it was because of the 10 foot waves which went over the transom and the thundershowers.

http://s263.photobucket.com/albums/ii12 ... G_3147.mp4
This was at the end of the day in Riviere du Loup Quebec. 2 days later it was worst!!!!
Q1

[Captain Jim]

One can actually see the water seeping out from the epoxy laminated bottom of the storeage area over time.

Jim

[vizwhiz]

If I'm not mistaken, the water ballast tank on the M goes all the way to the transom, doesn't it? (that's how the rear fill-valve arrangement works, right?)
If you're getting water inside the boat from one spot on the inner liner, it has to be leaking from the ballast tank, not the hull bottom.
Someone correct me if I'm mistaken on that...
If that's the case, you might try putting something - um, a deodorant or pine-sol perhaps - in the ballast tank, and see if you get the smell as the water seeps into the bilge. Red food coloring or something else might also work similarly for a visual, but might be messier than you want. Just an idea.

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I have water under the rear bunk. It is found in all three longitudinal areas. Not much, just enough to see that the area ia wet. First noticed after trailering to the Keys with my new stern rail seats. I think it may be coming up through the rudder tubes when we sit at anchor and have some wave action. Is there any cases where this has been observed. I like the food color idea in the ballast. My control cables have a boot but ly steering linkage does not... Comments?

Bob

[RobertB]

If you think it is the rudder tubes, check the small holes on the stern just above the rudders - if these are clear, it should not be the rudder tubes. I am very suspicious of the steering tube where it comes thru the stern. I also believe I have had leaks thru the freshwater shower assembly in the stern.

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Very well. Didn't realize what the purpose was for those holes. Will check them tomorrow.

Bob

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Holes are clear. Looks like I'll be adding some food coloring to the ballast water this weekend.

Bob

[Catigale]

Jim...I cruised by Bold Venture a few weeks ago...she looked fine!!!

I'll try to find the pic of the ballast system