[C320-list] Water under Sewage Holding Tank

[Ade Bateman]

For me, water collected in this spot almost no matter where it entered. I had several leaks near the stern (emergency tiller cover, cracked stern shower enclosure, after tank vents, even small leaks from the air vents in the transom). All these leaks would eventually resulted in water under the holding tank as about the lowest spot in the boat. I would shopvac it out and continue the search for leaks. It took me a few years to find them all, but my bilge has been dry and dusty for a while now. It's only a matter of time before something else happens and the search begins again.

Ade
Sound Thinking #257

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jeff Smith
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2020 7:11 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Water under Sewage Holding Tank

I am looking for some ideas. As I was reinstalling my supports under my starboard settee, of course I dropped my screwdriver under the holding tank. When I looked under the tank with a flashlight, I noticed a decent amount of water. I plan to go buy a wet/dry shop-vac tomorrow morning, as we are shoving off for Cape Charles early. Here are my questions:

1. Any ideas for the most likely point of entry if it is almost midship? It could have come from an overfilled forward water tank, as I have not been here since TS Isaias. It also could have been the TS.

2. Where does this water drain? I expected it to flow to the bilge; however, after emptying the bilge (I need to replace bilge pump and switch), the water has not moved.

I smelled the water (I did not have the intestinal fortitude to taste it) and it smelled like fresh water. I am assuming it is from the torrential rains. However, I have never checked under there before, as I assumed all water entering the boat would find its way to the bilge.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Jeff Smith
‘94, #121

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