[C320-list] Rudder post deck plate

[Scott Thompson]

My hot water heater was leaking last year and was replaced by the yard a 
few weeks ago just before launch.  Needless to say, the yard maintenance 
supervisor and I went over the fresh water system very carefully as this 
was the prime suspect.  However we found no evidence of any leaks, and 
could not find any evidence of new water coming into the bilge after 
draining it.

On the other hand, the water appeared right after a thorough cleaning of 
the boat, including a lot of water running in the cockpit, and we found 
water in the depression at the the top of the rudder post and 
immediately around the top of the rudder post just below the inspection 
plate.  I've known it was leaking for some time, so that's my working 
hypothesis for now.

I never noticed any leaks from the regulator valve on the old hot water 
heater.  I'll keep my fingers crossed on the new one.


Jon Vez wrote:
> Scott,
> 
> Do you have a hose and some type of container attached to your hot water
> heater regulator valve? If not, you will be amazed at how much water gets
> pushed out...I think it was Adam that suggested a hose and 1 liter bottle to
> catch the water. I've used this for several years now (a 99 vintage boat as
> well) with great success. You can also change the regulator out, but I
> haven't bothered. The only other water I get is from the fridge runoff since
> mine wasn't plumbed to the sump--another project on my list!
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Jon Vez
> Solstice #582
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Scott Thompson
> Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 3:16 PM
> To: Catalina320.org
> Subject: [C320-list] Rudder post deck plate
> 
> I've been aware for some time that the deck plate for the emergency 
> tiller on Surprise is leaking.  Indeed this is the only source of 
> possible fresh water in the bilge that I could identify, when I found 
> the bilge full of fresh water recently.  I cannot find any mark of a 
> manufacturer on the plate.  Does anyone know a source for the gaskets on 
> these somewhat unusual deck plates.
> 
> Surprise is a 1999 vintage boat.
> 

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653