[C320-list] Mysterious water leak C320 Hull 78

[Dennis Harris]

Jeff,

I would expect the water to be visible on it's way to the bilge if access 
covers/deck panels are removed (but would go under the pan just below the 
engine).

Dennis Harris #694

-----Original Message----- 
From: Jeff Brown
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 7:26 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Mysterious water leak C320 Hull 78

Dennis,
That is the one place I cannot get to, your right it is glassed over but 
from the symptoms of the problem, this could be the issue. If water was 
leaking in there, would it find its way to the bilge underneath the glass 
and under the engine compartment somehow without being visible?

Best regards,

Jeffrey Brown
(949) 350-5123




On Oct 2, 2012, at 2:39 PM, Dennis Harris wrote:

> An additional thing to check is the cutless bearing/shaft stut.  It bolts 
> through the hull with four bolts.  As I recall, this area has glass over 
> it on most boats, but some may not have been covered.  Also, vibration 
> over time might have opened up this area.
>
> Dennis Harris C-320 #694
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Dean Vermeire
> Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 5:09 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Mysterious water leak C320 Hull 78
>
> Hi Jeff,
>
> Just a thought, but I would dry everything out as best as I could, and
> then put newspaper down everywhere I could get to inside. Wait a while
> and then look to see where it is wet.
>
> Dean Vermeire
> #847
>
> On 10/2/2012 3:42 PM, Jeff Brown wrote:
>> Hi C320 Group:
>> Our C320 is located in the marina of Dana Point, California.  So I've 
>> been battling a mysterious water leak (not fresh water so it's not coming 
>> from top or fresh water tanks).  We're taking on about 2 gallons of water 
>> per day, so it's significant.  So here's what I've checked:
>>
>> 1. All through holes are dry and not leaking, closed all of them and leak 
>> continued
>> 2. Checked under floor boards, no leaks from any of the bolts that hold 
>> the keel to the bottom
>> 3. Checked depth gauge and knot meter fittings, no leaks
>> 4. Replaced packing gland with "dripless" packing and its not coming from 
>> here
>> 5. I've opened every floorboard, took everything out of cabinets and darn 
>> near torn open the whole boat, no detection of water entry.
>>
>> So, my analysis of the general area of the leak, at least what I am able 
>> to see, it's coming from somewhere on the bottom of the boat from the 
>> bilge pump back to somewhere under the engine.
>>
>> There are two areas I am unable to visibly see.  The space under the 
>> kitchenette floor back to under the engine, there is a space but it's not 
>> accessible.  I've called several boat mechanics, explained the problem 
>> and can't find anyone who thinks they can figure it out.  Called 
>> Catalina, Kent in California and Kurt in Florida, and they are as stumped 
>> as I.
>>
>> So, if anyone has had a similar experience, please let me know. If you 
>> haven't had the same issue but can provide guidance on how we would go 
>> about finding the problem (i.e haul it out and look for cracks) or any 
>> help, it's greatly appreciated.  As you can imagine, everyday I fear 
>> going to the boat and finding it under water.
>>
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Jeffrey Brown
>> (949) 350-5123
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>