[C320-list] Mystery water under H-tank (was "no subject")

[Warren Updike]

I believe is collects only after a sail with good heel.  Generally, engine,
head, and galley thru-hulls are open all the time.  While I don't believe
they are the source, I plan to shut them next time.  I'm getting the feeling
this is a condition that mainly occurs on the older hulls before the bonded
grid pan design.  --Warren

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Stumpp [mailto:bstumpp at comcast.net] 
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 7:49 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Mystery water under H-tank (was "no subject")

Warren, 

Does the water collect when you are idle at the slip, motoring, sailing, all
three of these, or some combination?  Other than the engine thruhull, do you
sail with any of your thruhulls open?  

Bruce Stumpp
#647, Adventure
Frog Mortar Creek, MD


Message: 4
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:47:33 -0400
From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list]  Mystry water under H-tank (was "no subject")
Message-ID: <BAY114-DS259BBCE7DB736AF913F91BECD0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Our season is coming to a close soon, so I don't know if I'll get to the
bottom of this by then. 

I bought a Beckson pump at ACE Hdwr (www.beckson.com/hmpumps.html) and it
very handily removes most of the water. Moves a good volume, too. Also, can
be used for diesel.

For those following this issue, you may find this interesting. I didn't used
to retain water under the holding tank. Damp, a little water, but not 2 gal.
Until, that is, I replaced the holding tank and in the process plugged a
whole that, apparently, allowed the water to drain from under the holding
tank to the space between the liner and hull. Now, after a sail in 15-20kts,
it collects and doesn't drain. I can't find water collecting in any quantity
elsewhere. The mystery to me is if the source is the space between the liner
and hull, how is it getting into the stbd settee area?  

As for having a hole under the holding tank to allow the water to drain back
under the liner, seems to me the whole space under the stbd settee needs to
act as a sump in case a battery leaks. I surely don't want battery acid
getting into the hull/liner space.

BTW, I use the Gore-Tex packing and no way do I get gallons from that. I
also sail with the tranny in reverse (no shaft rotation.)

Any and all ideas appreciated.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay